Creed - Live DVD

I bought myself a little after Christmas - Christmas gift the other day.  As you know from previous posts, I love Mark Tremonti.  Not in an "I want to marry him" way, but in a "he is so freakin' phenomenal on the guitar" way.  So when I found out that Creed had recently filmed a concert DVD, I went on the hunt.  Wouldn't you know it, I found a copy at Wal Mart.  It was the same price as Amazon (and I didn't have to pay shipping!) so I picked it up. 

I haven't watch the whole thing through but the concert stuff is pretty cool.  I wish the cameras would stay still a bit more, but hey, what can you say about a band that's in the Guiness Book of World Records for most cameras used to film a live show. 

The behind the scenes/interview stuff is interesting.  I'm always interested in the how's and why's of stuff.  I hope to have some time this weekend to check out the whole thing.  But what I have seen so far is very cool and worth the money.

Alter Bridge also has a DVD so I think I'll be getting that for my birthday.  (AB is another band that Mark played in when Creed was on their break) 

If you are a Creed fan, or a Mark Tremonti fan, or even a Scott Stapp fan (which I am not) you should really check out this DVD.  If you have a big enough screen and a good sound system, it could be a lot like being there!

Well, Hello

Hi, there, bloggy world!  Hope everybody survived the weekend okay.  We did a whirlwind of family gatherings.  Tuesday - Lyric's birthday, Wednesday - dinner at our house (usually this is done Christmas eve), Thursday - out to eat, Friday - food at my mom's and Fisher's brothers.  Saturday we got a little bit of a breather, but E came over and then Fisher and I took the girls, E, and two cousins to see Alvin and the Chipmunks.  Sunday was church, grocery shopping, Indian food (thanks, Darla!), and then family sledding.  I didn't go because for some reason my neck is bothering me again.  Last night was dinner with Sarah and the girls. 

My girls are trying to fill up the rest of their week as well, and I am having none of that!  Well, maybe a little of that.  They are both making plans for New Year's Eve.  Jazz is going to a sleepover, Lyric is hoping to babysit.  Lyric is about $30 away from having enough money to pay for driver's ed.  I'm coming to terms with it.  I don't want my hang ups to become hers.  And she won't get her license for a year anyway, so she might as well "practice".  It still is creeping me out a little.

What did Santa bring me, you might be wondering.  Santa brought me a Sony Cybershot.  It's honestly not a camera I would have picked out for myself, but so far I LOVE IT!  It has some fun features (smile detection and a food photo setting) that I've never seen before, but I've taken quite a few pix in low light and they are turning out great!  Somewhere in the settings I saw that it can focus up to 23 feet away!  I expect Great pix of the Rickster this year, no matter where our seats are!  I'll post some of the other photos I've taken soon.

Time Sure Flies When You Are Having Fun

Lyric turns 15 tomorrow.  I can't even believe it.  She's a freshman in high school, talking about driver's ed, growing into a wonderful young woman.  But every once in a while I still see snippets of my baby girl.  I guess that never goes away because my mom told me yesterday that I am still her baby girl.  So during this super busy, canigeteverythingdoneandenjoytheholidays week, I wanted to wish Lyric a very Happy Birthday.  You'll always be my baby girl!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas

and it's a darn good thing that I'm done with school!  Jazz had dance last night so Fisher ran her back and forth while I tried to find an adaptor for the tapes we use in our camcorder (no go) and picked up a few more Christmas gifts (score!).  Tonight Lyric has a show choir performance.(did you see Taylor Lautner's show choir skit on SNL?  Funny funny stuff)  Tomorrow, daytime Lyric has a show choir performance.  Tomorrow night, Jazz has a band concert.  Thursday night - 7pm - holiday musical for Jazz.  Thursday night - 8pm - band concert for Lyric.  Friday night - NOTHING!  Thank goodness.  except it will probably turn into a shopping night because I have a little list of people to finish buying for.  Saturday is busy with Girl Scout stuff and then a hockey game.  Sunday is church and cookie baking.  Monday - first day of Winter break.  I'm sure the girls will sleep in while Fisher and I get up and head to work.  The good thing is, when I don't have to get Jazz off,  I can sleep for almost an extra hour.  YAY for extra sleep.

I'll try to put up some pix of Lyric in her show choir outfit and link to the SNL skit. I'm also going to link another one because it is funny, funny stuff.

Now back to your regularly scheduled Tuesday!

1200 songs and nothing good to listen to

That's where I found myself Saturday night.  I have over 1200 songs on my ipod, and I couldn't find one that I wanted to listen to all the way through.  It might have had something to do with being in a crabby mood but usually something will catch my interest.  It might also have something to do with the fact that a lot of what's on my ipod is Jonas Brothers, High School Musical, Miley Cyrus and Demi Lavato.   I can't wait until everybody has their own ipods and I can only have MY music on MY ipod.  And another thing, what's up with the ratings/stars.  If I like a song welll enough to put it on the ipod, it's a no brainer that it's a four or five star song.  Duh!  I'm not putting crap on there.  Anyway, here's a Random twenty songs from my random shuffle.  (By the way - I'm taking suggestions for new bands to listen to!  I might even do a few reviews and CD giveaways!  Leave a comment.  If I check your suggestion and blog about it, there will be something in it for you - I promise.)


December Twenty Random Songs from BILL (Believe in Love and Laughter)  aka Aim's Ipod

Someone Like You - Boys Like Girls  (Love Drunk CD)
Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite - The Beatles (Love CD)
Rent - Three Days Grace (One X CD)
Down With The Sickness - Disturbed (The Sickness CD)
Sweet Dreams - Rick Springfield (My Precious Little One CD)
Cofee and Cigarettes - Augustana (All the Stars and Boulevards CD)
Where Love Went Wrong - Augustana (Can't Love, Can't Hurt CD)
Hate Me - Five Finger Death Punch (The Way of The Fist CD)
Lost Without You - Darren Hayes (Live at the Aria Awards 2003)
Thriller - Michael Jackson
Faithful - Rick Springfield (Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance CD)
On The Inside - Daughtry (Leave This Town CD)
Senior Year Spring Musical - HSM 3
Supermassive Black Hole - Muse (Twilight soundtrack )
There's A Fine, Fine Line - Avenue Q
First Time - Matt Nathanson*
Life After You - Daughtry
When You're Home - In The Heights
I Knew I Loved You - Savage Garden (Affirmation CD)
Always - Bon Jovi (Crossroad CD)

So, maybe when I take all of Lyric's stuff and Jazz's stuff off, I will find more I like.  *Matt Nathanson has a cute song called "Princess".  If you look it up on you tube, it's pretty funny.  He's got a nice little guitar hook that sounds strangly similar to Jessie's Girl.  And he says he's trying to get sued by Rick Springfield.  If I could link the you tube thing here I would.  But go check it out.

The Newest Playlist....

Those of you who have been coming here for awhile know that I love music.  I could live without just about anything but music.  My lastest playlist is listed below.  There's no real common theme except these are all songs that I like.  I added a little about why I like the songs. Any of these songs have special meaning for you??  What are you listening to??


PLAYLIST DECEMBER 2009
(No particular order)

Tangled Up In You - Staind  (okay, seriously, there are so many things I love about this song.  The guitar, the voice, the words...if you haven't heard it you need to go check it out.)

Thing for You - Hinder (Have loved Hinder since I saw them live in February.  I missed them a couple weeks ago at Austin's Fuel Room but I bet it was a wonderful show)

When You Say You Love Me - Darren Hayes (Darren is one of my Aussie loves.  He has a smooth sexy voice and I can't get enough.  This song is very sweet.)

Whiter Shade of Pale - Eric Clapton (heard this the other day for the first time in a long time.  Love it!)

To Be With You - Mr. Big (A throw back to my 80's hairbands.  This song always, always, ALWAYS makes me smile! I dare you to listen to it and not smile.)

Lips of an Angel - Hinder (there's the boys again.  This song tells a story that lots of people can probably relate to)

Life After You - Daughtry (this is the song with my "tagline" in it - All that I'm after is a life full of laughter)

Learn My Lesson - Daughtry (The song about going back even when you know it might be wrong)

Jet City Woman - Queensryche (another hairband throw back.  Geoff Tate has an interesting voice. Nice song.)

Stop back.  I will be doing another Random 20 soon!

Believe....(this is not a true story- well most of it anyway!)

I've always believed that everything happens for a reason.  I also believe that God has a plan for each and everyone of us, even if we don't understand the why's of it.  I know, I know, bad things happen.  Bad things even happen to good people.  But I still believe that whatever happens is part of God's plan for me.  I have to believe it, otherwise I couldn't get through the day.

I believe there's a reason my first baby didn't live more than 3 days.  There's a reason my second pregnancy ended with a miscarriage.  Those reasons are the two very beautiful children that I do have and I value every day.

There's a reason I didn't know my dad growing up.  I didn't find him until I was 30.  Now we talk on the phone nearly every week.

And there's a reason that the love of my life broke my heart when I was eighteen.  When you are eighteen, everything seems so intense, and it was that intensity that ruined our relationship.

I moved on and so did he.  We've both dated.  We've both married.  We've both had kids.  We've both been divorced.  And now, I am sitting here writing this while he rakes leaves and lets our kids jump into the pile.


Okay people, what do you think??  Have I grabbed your attention or are you thoroughly bored??  Leave a comment, let me know. The subtle blue shows what is true.

Words to Live By....

In all the craziness that is my life right now, I've found so great sayings to help me get through.  My favorites are below.


Looking back only confuses and is unnecessary for the future (Thanks to MJ for this one!)

What’s meant to be will always find a way


If the timing’s right and the god’s are with you, something special happens


When nothing goes right, go left.


Never give up on someone you can’t go a day without thinking about

Do you have a favorite saying?  What are your words of inspiration??
If you want to figure out what’s right for you, sometimes it’s enough to figure out what’s wrong.

Hello, again....

Just a quick hey to all my faithful readers!  I know you are all wondering where I have been.  it's coming down to the end of the semester, plus it was a holiday, plus things have been C-R-A-Z-Y at home!  Sorry to keep you all waiting for my next installment!

Last Friday, I was able to hang out with some very good friends of mine and I had a GREAT time!  Thanks, guys!  You know who you are.  This coming weekend, I will be going out to dinner with my almost but not quite sister in law, S (she would be the mom to the cutest baby ever) and then we are probably going to hook up with the above mentioned friends for some adult beverages.

S and I are going through some similar things right now so it will be nice to sit and chat with her one on one. 

School is done this week.  I have two finals next week and then I get a whole month with NO SCHOOL!  I won't even know what to do with myself.  Except Christmas and Lyric's birthday are in there, so something will come up I'm sure.

I started planning my 40th birthday party.  (More than just the famous faces)  Details are coming in slowly, but it's going to be a great time!  I ain't afeared of being 40 no more!

I'll try to post again this week, but if not, you will for sure get an update after finals!

Love and whatnot to you all!

Aim

Busy Weekend....

Thursday and Friday Lyric was in the high school play.  She did a great job and it was really fun to see her "in her element".  After the show Friday, we did the usual Dairy Queen trip.  It was even fun for me this time because I had two of my very best friends with me!  These are the two friends that I referred to earlier that are getting married next year.  i love them both so much and even though we have had  times when we haven't been in touch much, they are back in my life and I'm so glad.  Maybe we just needed to have the seperation so we could realize how important we truly are to each other.  I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Saturday was pretty laid back.  We went to see New Moon in the afternoon.  It was great!  A little slow at the begininng (I was ready for some action and special effects) but overall, I think it was a decent movie.  Jazz wants to see it again and even asked if she could add it to her Christmas list.  I told her she could, but it wouldn't be on DVD before Christmas.  She was crushed.  Almost as much as when she realized (this weekend) that the tooth fairy isn't real.  Yeah, I'm a bad mom/tooth fairy and forgot to put the dollor under the pillow.  I forget that she's still a little girl.  Anyway, Fisher tried to cover because she put the tooth under her pillow again last night.  We can hang onto the fairy tale a little bit longer.

Yesterday was a church and homework day.  I finished my chemistry paper and then found out that I have to write a paper for Microbes.  YIKES!  I'm so done with papers.  I can't wait for the semester to be over.  16 days and I'm free for about a month.  I'll be enjoying every one of the off days!

Lyric and I did run down and see the holiday kick off parade.  It was nice because it wasn't as cold this year as it has been in past years.

And now it is Monday and we're back to the grind.  Actually the girls only have two days of school this week.  It will be nice for them to have a whole bunch of down time.

Where I Am and Where I Want To Be....

I've been trying to figure out for years what I want to be when I grow up.  Sneaking up on 40 makes me think a little deeper.  I'm all set for nursing school to start in January, but I'm starting to second guess myself.  Am I too old to take this on?  But then on the other hand, it's a couple of years of hard work and then the payoff is going to be wonderful.  I've wanted to be a nurse since i was little.  Mom and Nurse were the two "jobs" I've never stopped wanting.  Maybe I'm just a little freaked out because it seems that everything is about to change....my job, my schooling, etc etc etc. 

I have a vision of where I would like to see myself in say 2-3 years (depending on how long it takes me to finish school).  I've never been much of a visual learner, but maybe writing down what I want to do and where I see myself will help with the process.

This may seem like a somewhat convoluted post to most of you, but it actually makes a lot of sense to me and it's helping me FOCUS....yeah for random blogging.

stay tuned for the next installment of "Aim is about to lose her mind".....

MIA...

Yes, that's right...I was missing in action.  But there wasn't really any action.  I was at home suffering and recovering.  It seems that as you get older you are more prone to injuries caused by sleep*.  The other night I pulled a muscle in my neck while sleeping.  it was sore but manageable until Sunday morning.  I could barely move, it hurt in any and all positions and I would almost say it was the worst pain I've ever had.  (and I have given birth!)

So, my very lovely and wonderful mom drove me to the immediate care clinic so I could get it checked out.  I was glad to hear that the doctor thought it was just a pulled muscle (I was starting to worry about broken vertebrae, broken neck, etc etc).  He gave me some very lovely medication and I was able to rest and relax.  Actually, once I took the meds it was out of my hands.  GOOD STUFF!  I ended up staying home from work on Monday and Tuesday.  I'm back in the swing now, trying to play catch up on everything.  It's going slow.

Over the weekend, I also found out that my two bestest friends in the whole world are finally getting married (to each other!) after 15 years.  I'm super excited for them.  Not because I didn't always think they'd be together but because he's wanted to marry her for years and she's been holding out.  They've both been married before and I think she was a little scared!  You may get periodic wedding planning updates.  The wedding is set for next September so we have a lot to do before then. 

Anyway, I'm off to finish up some more work type stuff before lunch.  Have a great day.

*This is not an official report, it's my own philosophy.  :-)

Who's Coming To My Birthday Party

Many of you may know that I will be turning 40 soon (69 days!).  The other day, I told my girls that if they were not going to be having a party for me that I needed to know so that I could plan it for myself.  Not a "bring me presents because I'm turning 40" but just friends and family getting together for a good time.  They said that they were planning to have a party but hadn't talked with their dad about it yet.  I just asked that they let me know.  I won't be offended because Fisher is not much of a party guy or a planner so if they can't pull it off, it's totally okay.

Somehow, this party plan of mine morphed into "if I could invite anybody to my party who would it be"?  Well, you know that Rick Springfield is at the top of the list.  And I want Daughtry to perform.  Also, Patrick Dempsey, David Boreanaz, Josh Kelley and Katherine Heigel, I can't remember who else was on the list, but I did write the list on a chalkboard, so I'll trying to take a photo to post. 

Then it was decided that if they can't really come (but who wouldn't want to come to a 40th birthday party for me?!?!?) then we would just put up head shots of all the famous people I want to invite as the decorations.  The girls are loving this idea and are adding to the list almost daily.  So who knows what kind of party it will be but I know there will be a lot of famous faces there!  :-)

So, I just want to extend the invite:  Rick, Patrick, David, Josh, Katherine: if you are free on January 22, 2010, you are MORE than welcome to attend the above mentioned party.  Email me for the details!

Okay, so I wrote down all the "people" I want to invite.  Here's the list: Rick Springfield, Peter Facinelli (and family!), Daughtry, David Boreanaz, Sandra Bullock, Patrick Dempsey, Darren Hayes, Rob Thomas, Indina Menzel and Taye Diggs, and Josh Kelley and Katherine Heigl. (all names in purple are musicians so I think we'd be having one hell of a concert!) 

Recently added:  Creed.  I'm getting over my dislike of Scott Stapp, especially if it means seeing Mark Tremonti do his thing on the guitar!

Pandora Radio

I may have posted about this many moons ago, but since I've been using it again, I wanted to throw it out there.  Pandora radio ROCKS!  For those of you that don't know, Pandora is internet radio.  But it's not just any internet radio.  It's customizable internet radio.  I have several "stations" so I can pick music that fits my mood.  Like I have a Rick Springfield station (duh, like you didn't see that coming), and a Daughtry, Seether, the Eagles, Def Leppard, Blink 182, Posion, Boston, Bon Jovi, Hinder, and more.  What Pandora does is plays songs "in the same vein as" whatever your chosen station is.  For example, on the Daughtry station I get songs by Three Doors Down, Lifehouse, Train, and Daughtry.  It's fun and easy and free to use and commerical free (which for me is by FAR the greatest perk!).

So, if you haven't already checked this out...what are you waiting for!?

Redecorating

Yes, that's right, after more than 3 years I'm finally making my blog "my blog"...Thanks to Andy for helping me do that!  I'm moving things around, sprucing things up and just giving it a new look.  I don't know how long the transition will take, but please stop by regularly to see the progress!

Music Music and More Music

As you can tell from several of my recent posts- music is a huge part of my life. In general it always has and even more so recently. I haven't had time to watch TV so my ipod is my constant companion. Today you get to see a random list of what comes up on shuffle. I added music to my ipod recently and I have 1050 songs loaded right now. That's a lot of music and it's all varying styles. Pop, rock, 80's, broadway, movie soundtracks, etc. Different music for different moods. I did listen to Daughtry's Leave This Town for 2 weeks straight. Now, I know all the words so I can move onto something else....

Here's the random list:

I Saw Red - Warrant
All My Friends Say - Luke Bryan
Senior Year Spring Musical - HSM3 soundtrack
I Want Action - Poison
Overcome - Creed
Living in Oz - Rick Springfield
Where I Wanna Be - Waltham
Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now - Hairspray soundtrack(Broadway version)
Don't Walk Away - Rick Springfield (If you have read my book, you should know that this is the song that inspired the scene where Derek goes to ask Abbi to come home. If you haven't read my book - Why the heck not?)
It's Your Wedding Day - The Wedding Singer soundtrack (broadway)
Hold On - Jonas Brothers (dude, I have a pre teen and a teenager in my house)
Entr'acte - Mama Mia soundtrack
Broken Again - Another Animal
Earth to Vanessa - The Squirts
Let Me Sign - Twilight soundtrack
Walk All Over You - AC/DC
The Middle - Demi Lovato (this is a Jazz song)
Dance Hall Drug - Boys Like Girls (I like this band, they kind of sound like Secondhand Serenade)
Learn My Lesson - Daughtry
I Don't Know You Anymore - Savage Garden

So, do you like any of these songs?? Not heard any?? Need any suggestions for new music you might like?? Let me know. I'll do a mixed CD of Random Songs and send it to one lucky winner! In your comment make sure you leave me a way to contact you.

Technical Help

I would love to make some changes in the surroundings here at Random Thoughts. If you know how to change things up (I want three colums and a "Pretty" header) or know somebody who does, please let me know. I could probably afford to pay a little bit, but I'd like to try some things for free first. There might even be a giveaway involved for somebody. Let me know. Thanks!

MPLO giveaway winner

Gina is the winner of the Rick Springfield CD.


Gina, I need you to contact me (writeone.two@gmail.com) or leave a comment here with your contact information by 11/1.

Thanks to all who played along.

Top Ten Songs That Can Make Me Smile

This is today's top ten...it's very possible that it could change tomorrow!

1) "Taylor, The Latte Boy" - Kristin Chenoweth
2) "Nineteen Somethin'" - Mark Wills
3) "So What" - Pink
4) "So Beautiful" - Darren Hayes
5) "Dancing Through Life" - Wicked soundtrack
6) "Supermassive Black Hole" - Muse
7) "Bruce" - Rick Springfield
8) "Popular" - Wicked soundtrack
9) "I Get Excited" - Rick Springfield
10) "Hey Katie" - Josh Kelley

What songs make you smile??

Don't forget - today is the last day to enter the my-precious-little-one-giveaway

Check My Brain...and Overcome

More music reviews for your enjoyment! I often have a mental list of bands I want to hear more from or songs I want to download. This weekend I was able to add some music to my ipod. here's what I think:

Overcome - Creed. I love the lyrics. I liked Creed back in the day. Never have been a big Scott Stapp fan, but I love, Love, LOVE Mark Tremonti. He can play guitar for me anytime! So I heard this on the radio the other day and was torn. Love Mark, hate Scott. Oh, what the heck. I bought the single. I don't know who wrote it but it's pretty telling of the rocky Creed relationship. Typical sound but a good song over all. "I'm entitled to overcome, completely stunned, I'm numb..."

Check My Brain - Alice In Chains. I've never been big AIC fan...it's one of those "that was a bad time in my life and this music reminds me of that" so I was again torn. The title of this song makes me laugh and even though I don't know any of the lyrics, it's worth a listen if you like AIC or if you need a little musical therapy.

If You Only Knew - Shinedown. Great song! "If you only knew I'm hanging by a thread" There's definitely a story behind this song but I think that everybody can listen to it and take their own "lesson" from it.

Jet - Rick Springfield (cover). recorded live in Nashville. Fun song. Rick and the boys did a great job with it. (For the record - I also bought the Paul McCartney version)

Live Like We're Dying - Kris Allen. It took me a couple of listens but now I like it. I think it will do okay on the radio. Kris has a huge following and I don't think people will be disappointed.

Time For Miracles - Adam Lambert. yes, I'm admitting it. I bought it. I didn't like Adam at first but then I took him for what he was - a drama geek - and it's all good. not a great single, but it is on a soundtrack so maybe his solo CD will be a bit different.

Although these next few songs are not "new", I haven't mentioned them yet so I'll throw it out there today. Sevendust - Hope and Sorrow. Buy this album if you like rock at all. Sevendust alone is great but you also get "Hope" featuring Mark Tremonti (see above note!), "The Past" featuring Chris Daughtry, and "Sorrow" featuring Miles Kennedy (lead singer of Alter Bridge-I guess I can wait for Creed to get done messing around to get a new AB CD). These are great songs for differently reasons. Hard hitting, story telling, rock n roll.

Leave This Town Review

Back in July, Daughtry released it's second CD. I bought it off of itunes, downloaded it, put it on my ipod and occassionally listened to "No Surprise". Last week, I heard the second single was getting ready to be released so I fired it up on the ole ipod...and haven't stopped listening to it yet. Literally. I hear the songs in my head as I'm falling asleep and start singing them to myself as soon as I wake up. I want to listen to them loud! I want to listen to them all the time (except for one). I loved the first Daughtry release and now that I've started listening to this one, loving it as much. Here's my review/breakdown of the songs on the album with my favorite lines from each song. BTW, the review is not necessarily in the order that the songs are on the CD...just so you know.

"Life After You"
The title makes me think of "I'm better off without you" but once you listen to the song, you realize it's just the opposite. This song is about realizing that there is no life after you. We were meant to be together and I'm coming back. I have two favorite lines in this song. First, "All that I'm after is a life full of laughter..." Second, "I must've been high to say you and I weren't meant to be..." Great lyrics. I've probably listened to this song the most. I believe it is the new single as well.

"No Surprise"
Loved this song the first time I heard it. We often stay in a relationship that isn't working. Suddenly, in this song, Chris gives us the breakup song of 2009. "It's no surprise I won't be here tomorrow" and "As I say it louder I love how it sounds". Like he just figured out how to get out. A little snarky, but snarky is my new middle name so I LOVE it.

"What I Meant To Say"
More snarky here. Another relationship gone wrong song. This song tells a story of one person working hard to hold on, while one has already let go. Favorite lyric "All this sucking up to you is getting old". Seriously!??! I love that line.

"Open Up Your Eyes"
this is my least favorite song on the CD. So much so that I might delete it from the ipod. It's a nice story, I guess. I'm just connecting with it like I am with all the other songs. Favorite lyric, if I had to pick "Welcome to the first day of your life"
editor's note: after listening to this song a few more times, I've decided to keep it on the ipod.

"September"
second to least favorite song, but it tells the story of summers past, how we want to hold onto those memories of good times. Favorite lyric "Nothing to lose but everything to gain"

"Ghost of Me"
Another relationship song. Somebody was going through some stuff while they were writing. I hope it wasn't Chris because he's a sweety and I'd hate to hear that his AI fame messed with his family. Anyway, this song is a little more punchy than some of the others. It makes me smile everytime because I can imagine hearing it live. I don't really have a favorite lyric for this one. But definitely worth a listen.

"Everytime You Turn Around"
This one is a light rocker as well. It makes me think that somebody is doing things (moving forward in a career maybe??) while somebody stays behind. Favorite lyric "I've been following my dreams, trying to find the scene where you believed in me"

"You Don't Belong"
This one could go a couple of ways. Almost sounds like an admission of an affair. "You don't belong to me, I think you lied to me" but I can't get a great read on it. I do like it and listen to it a lot.

"Learned My Lesson"
Beating a dead horse much?? This song is about going back to something that is bad over and over again. We've probably all been there at some point as well. This song puts it out there. Favorite lyric "It turns out I haven't learned a thing"

"Supernatural"
This is a 'fun' song. It's got a great feel and it's a little punchy. It's almost like getting sucked into something before you even realize that it happened and you don't know how to get out. And it's so intense you're not sure if you want to get out. No favorite lyrics, but this is a great song.

"Tennessee Line"
This was my least favorite song at first, now it's decent. It's another "I didn't know what I had until it was gone" song...but very slow, sweet and methodical. "Well, it's my heart I follow this time" and "Tell me how to make right every wrong turn I made" love it.

"Call Your Name"
Ever loved somebody who didn't love you back?? That's what this song says to me at the beginning. a little. It's also a "I didn't want to break your heart" song. Nice song. Another slower one but worth a listen.

Overall, this CD is fantastic. I wish I had a copy to give away but I don't so run out to your local WalMart, target, Itunes, wherever you get your music from and pick up your copy! If you like Daughry at all, you won't be disappointed. I'd love to hear feed back on what you hear in these songs as well. Leave a comment. Thanks!

My Precious Little One - Giveaway

It's somebody's lucky day! I'm giving away a copy of My Precious Little One by Rick Springfield. (click on the link and you can listen to samples at Amazon.com) It's his newest release. It's lullabys. It's awesome. And for one of my lucky blog readers, it's FREE!

Entering for this contest is only slightly harder than the last one.

You need to comment that you would like to win, but also in a seperate comment,

tell me who is your "precious little one".

(Blog identities - if you don't use your kiddos real names - is okay! I don't need the information, just wanted to give everybody a change at two entries!)

So that's it. A couple of comments and in a week, we'll have a winner.

Entries accepted today (10/20) through Wed, Oct 28.

I will again assign numbers based on entry submissions and use random.org to pick the winner.

Good Luck, Everybody! "Don't Keep the Sandman Waiting"

Homecoming 2009

Lyric went to her first high school dance last night. Homecoming 09. Her date was her very best guy friend. He's a good kid and I'm so glad that they are friends. Here's a few photos.

The girls got ready at our house and the guys showed up at 5. The girls waited in Lyric's room until both boys were here and then they did a big "reveal" entrance. It was so cute.

Lyric's date, L, came with his mom and brother. Her friend, E, had been here but E's mom came and Lyric's god mother came as well. We had cameras going all over the place so there are lots of good (and not so good) photos. And one of my very best guy friends, Mike, came over in his biker gear to be the male contingent. Since Fisher was out of town as was Kelley's hubby, I wanted the boys to know that there was somebody looking out for Han. :-) Sneaky, huh?? I let Mike open the door for the boys and he was just kind of there. He left to go home before we went to the park and Lyric didn't get to say goodbye. She was talking about him and texting him. Good for L to know that besides mom and dad and the biological uncles, she has Uncle Mike, too, and I'm pretty sure that he would take a bullet for her.

PPPP- Patrick Dempsey

I've haven't played along with PPPP for a few weeks, but I wanted to share these photos. They were actually taken by an employee of the hospital where I work and she graciously shared them with my boss....who then shared them with me. Don't take them and use them as your own, they are only for your viewing pleasure today....and what a pleasure it is.

Shaving Tips...A PSA from me to you

I don't usually get too personal here because well, it's personal. But today I decided to share something I haven't told many people.

I have sensitive skin. It's getting better, but I used to have to use baby laundry detergent on my own clothes. I would itch and get red and well, you know, it ain't pretty.

I hated shaving my legs because they would get bumpy and red and itchy. Then I started using Nair. Smells yummy (NOT!). After one of my girls had some other sort of rash, I found .Gold Bond Medicated Powder This stuff is a freaking life saver! I would sprinkle it on after I shaved my legs and never get the itchies or the bumpies or the redness. Life was good. Until it turn summer. Who wants to walk around with white, powdery legs.

One day, in a lazy moment when I didn't have any ladies shave gel handy, I used conditioner. Yes, that's right. The same stuff you put on your hair to keep it soft and silky. Works Wonders! Now it's all I used. A nice thin-ish layer of conditioner on your legs and then shave as normal. No itching, no bumps, no redness. Seriously! I'm not making this up. I've used all kinds of conditioner with the same wonderful results, so you don't need to spend a fortune, just grab the cheap stuff and go. And the good news: it's actually less expensive than the shave gel anyway! (well, some of it is)

If you have ever had the above mentioned issues, try the conditioner thing and let me know how it works out for you.

And by the way, what's up with razors that have scented handles?? I picked up a pack last night and was surprised to open it and smell lemons! WTF?

Pay It 40 update...and 40 things about me

The pay it 40 campaign dates have been extended....November 1, 2009 to December 31, 2010. Tell everybody! I should have the website/blog up within the next week or so. In the mean time, here's 40 things about me (that you may or may not already know)

1. I work at a hospital
2. I have 2 daughters
3. I had two miscarriages before the girls were born
4. I've been married "twice" but to the same man (civil and religious ceremonies)
5. I have two half brothers, a step brother and two half sisters
6. I'm a huge Rick Springfield fan
7. I love to write fiction
8. I hate operas
9. I love soap operas
10. I've never been outside the US
11. I've always wanted to travel to Australia
12. I've always wanted to write Rick Springfield's biography
13. I've met some of my best friends through the internet
14. my favorite color changes frequently
15. Fall is my favorite season
16. Christmas is my favorite holiday
17. I love singing
18. I have a horrible singing voice
19. My girls can sing (must be some recessive gene!)
20. My mom rocks!
21. I start nursing school in January just a few days before I turn 40
21. I can't start my day without coffee
22. I didn't start drinking coffee until I was 29
23. I would love to own a Corvette
24. or a Chevy Impala
25. I would love to have more kids, as long as I didn't have to be pregnant
26. I would consider adoption
27. I used to be a packrat (albeit an organized one)
28. Lyric is carrying on the packrat tradition
29. I would love to be self employed
30. My dream job would be Rick Springfield's personal assistant (think he's hiring??)
31. I turn maps in the direction I'm going
32. I hate following people (in the car) when they know where we are going and I don't
33. I love to play online games
34. I've been a girl scout leader for 10 years
35. I've never broken a bone
36. I will probably break something now that I said that
37. I've wanted to be a writer since I was 12
38. Both of my girls like to write...and are very good at it
39. I love the smell of burning leaves
40. I think turning 40 is going to be FUN!

Pay It 40...a birthday gift to your favorite charity

Some of you may know that next year I will turn 40. I don't feel 40 and I don't think I look 40, but the calendar tells me it's true. I wanted to do something that wasn't about me. I wanted to figure out a way to give back. I wanted to make a difference, even if it's just a little one. I have a few friends that will be turning 40 soon as well. In order to make it less traumatic for us and a definite plus for somebody else, we came up with the "Pay It 40" campaign. Sort of a play on the "pay it forward". I will create a new blog/website with links for all the charities.

In the spirit of giving, I'd like to open up the Pay It 40 campaign to anybody who is turning 40 from November 1, 2009 to October 21, 2010. What you have to do is: 1) leave a comment here with your name and birthday, 2) chose your favorite charity (if you know a link, post that as well) and then when the new blog is up and running you can tell all your friends.

Let me know if you have any questions. Please feel free to share this information with others. I would LOVE to have 40 people participate.

Reminders

Hello, everybody! Old friends and new. Here's a few link to some highlights of what's going on right now. I don't want anybody to miss out on the good stuff!

Hanbag giveaway

followers showcase

Mom Pen pals

Check out the links and leave a note.

My Sister's Boyfriend

(New story idea/starter)


When you are five and you like a boy, you chase him around the playground, but what happens when you are 25 and you like a boy? And he’s engaged to your sister? That would be my life.
I’ve always been a bit on the independent side. I never felt like I needed a boyfriend to fit in. I dated in high school, but most of the guys were more into sports or cars to just looking cool. I went to prom by myself. When I went to college, I met lots of great people, but never had a spark with anybody. Lots of dates, but no serious relationships.
When my sister walked into the house last week with Brad, I felt as if my whole body woke up for the first time. Our eyes connected as my sister introduced us. Everything in my body felt electric and light and on. Dinner was rough because I had to sit across from him. I was so taken in. All I wanted to do was look at him for hours. I kept trying to steal glances but after he caught me looking (or was he looking at me the same way?) I made a very conscious effort to look at everybody else but him.
When my mom brought out the desert, Brad stood up and said, “This would probably be a good time to tell you that I asked Julia to marry me.” He smiled down at her (yes I was looking) and she grinned from ear to ear as she flashed a nice diamond. It had to be at least 2 carats. Flashy and it fit my sister’s style perfectly.
I thought my dad was going to jump out of his chair, he was so happy. My sister had been a bit of a, well, geek and I think my parents were afraid that she would never get married. They knew I was a bit of a free spirit and hoping for me to get married was a bit of crap shoot so they pull all their “I want my daughter to get married” eggs in that basket.
My mom was thrilled with the news, hugging Julia and Brad and almost crying. Seriously? Crying? What the hell was she going to be like at the wedding?

Handbag Giveaway

No, i'm not giving one away, but Esther is. Click on her name and go check out the cute cute super cute handbags she made.

Random Follower Showcase

I'm going to start something new (again). Periodically, (Like when I can't think of what to blog about), I'm going to randomly chose one of my followers to highlight. I know we can all see who my followers are, but most people don't have the time to look into it any further than that. So, I will do it for you. If you absolutely do not want me to feature you (for whatever reason) let me know, otherwise, you are all fair game.

I was going to pick somebody right away, but I'll give everybody a little bit of time to decide. So within the next week or so I should have somebody featured.

The Mailman Cometh...

When I was a stay at home mom, the most exciting part of my day (next to naptime) was when the mail would come. I loved running to the mailbox to see if there was anything "good". Usually it was bills or junk mail but occassionally it would be a new magazine, or a letter from a friend. In this high tech, instant gratification world, we rarely send letters/cards/notes to anybody via the mail anymore. I'd like to help change that just a little, for a few of us anyway.

If you would be willing to be a pen pal to another blogger/mom, please leave a note in the comments. I will then randomly pair people up. The only requirements are:
1) no emailing! That defeats the purpose the mail man excitement!
2) you must be willing to mail a card/letter/post card at least once a month. Seriously, people, you don't have to tell your pen pal your deepest, darkest fears, but a nice "thinking of you" or "have a great day" card once in awhile would be great
3) you must come back to me within two months and let me know if you want to continue, how it's going, etc. Just a little feedback on the experiment.

I will have a little goody giveaway to go with this. I will giveaway a set of my favorite pens (which is constantly changing) and a pack of note cards to get you start to one lucky participant. So, leave a note in the comments that you want to participate. Just your name and that you are "in". I'll get addresses from everybody later. I'll take names from today until October 14. Then everybody's names will go into the hat for the goodies and I will start pairing.

Questions?? Comments?? You know what to do!

A, B, C, or D

It's mid term time for most of the Random House. My kids get mid term, quarter, mid term and semester grades. I don't know why we need grade reports every month, but that's what we get. Lyric is having a little trouble with AP algebra. It's the class giving her the most trouble, so it's also the class she is giving the least effort to. Should be the most effort, but when you're 14 and know everything, that's what you get. She's getting A's and B's in all of her other classes. Getting a C in Algebra. Since she has all AP classes, everything is weighted and that C actually is a 3.0 so she could still end up with a very nice GPA for the semester. it's still early so we'll see how it all pans out. As long as I can get her to keep turning in the homework, we are on the right path. I told her it doesn't have to be perfect, but she needs to make the effort to complete it and then turn it in on time. Seems she was too busy with other things at the beginning of the year to turn in homework. Boys maybe?!?

Jazz is loving school and is thinking she might not want to try out for Fine Arts for next year. This is a complete turn around from last year. She's really getting into her groove. Nothing has completely challenged her/stressed her out so far. YAY! She's reading well, doing good in math, and getting concepts in English/Spelling/vocab that she used to struggle with.

I got my first block grade yesterday in my Lit class. Wait,did I even tell you what classes I have this semester?? I have Chemisty (again!) but it's a newer, better, revamped version of the class I had last spring. This class is geared towards allied health majors. It's a step above HS chem, and not as advanced as chem for say, a science major. Anyway, the teacher is great. Knows his stuff but not too informal. Allows time to ask questions and takes the time to explain things a different way if needed. I also have Microbes and Society. This is basically a review/continuation of Microbiology. This class is all online. And finally, I have Non Western Literature since 1900. Sounds lovely, doesn't it. This class is reading books and writing papers. All online. Right up my alley.

So, back to my grades. For the first book in Lit we had to do 4 papers. One about the author, one about the country and two about different aspects of the book. I didn't do so good on the first one of these, but I ended up with a B for this block. Each book is a "block". I'll take a B! In Microbes, we get our grades by unit, so every two weeks she emails us the grade we received on each section (questions, quizzes, discussion, projects). I've been tallying the grade (because I'm like that) and as of the end of unit 2, I have an 89%. That's almost an A! Yay, me! We are half way through unit 3 so I'll have an update on that in a week or so. Going into last night's chem test, I had like and 84%. I'm hoping to maintain that B. I don't think I can pull an A (But I'm trying) but a B will be just fine. I know it's still early. We have 2 plus months left of the semester, but a lot for me is riding on these classes. I wil continue to keep you posted!

Zhu Zhu Pets Winner

Thanks for all the entries. I assigned everybody a number based on comments (first comment, #1, etc) and then went to Random.org to pick a winner.

The Zhu Zhu Pets winner is Anitra and she has been notified.

Look for more fun stuff coming soon!

Text A Thon

Electrolux and Kelly Ripa remain committed to raising money and awareness to support a worthy cause. Together, they are launching another exciting campaign that utilizes a form of communication that many of us use every day - texting! During September, Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, Electrolux and Kelly are holding a "Text-a-Thon for a Cause" to help raise support for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer.


Throughout September, you can donate $5 to the cause by texting "KELLY" to 85944 from your mobile phones (standard text messaging rates apply) - or logging on to www.kelly-confidential.com. Also, every time you log on to the Web site, you'll be entered for a chance to win an amazing contribution to your home - a luxury front load washer and dryer from Electrolux in Turquoise Sky, the color inspired by the teal ribbon of ovarian cancer awareness.Also during September, visitors to Kelly Confidential can help spread awareness for this important cause by sending a virtual T-shirt to a friend. For every virtual t-shirt sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the OCRF. Fashion-forward Moms can also purchase a limited edition T-shirt designed by Ripa; 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the T-shirts will go to OCRF.

There is a PSA as well, that I will be adding to this post once I get to a computer that will allow youtube. This is a great cause and it truly is a silent killer. Let's do our part to wipe it out.

A little teaser....

This has been running through my head regularly for the past few days. let me know what you think.....

I'm standing in the rain. Kissing my high school sweetheart. Two decades after I kissed him for the first time. With his kids staring at us. With my kids staring at us. Did I mention the rain?? How could I have possibly gotten to this point.

What do you think?? How do you think they got here?!?

And don't forget about the Zhu Zhu pets giveaway . There's still time to comment and get your name in the running.

Zhu Zhu Pets Giveaway

(disclaimer- I wanted to post some photos, but couldn't cut and paste. To check out the items go to www.zhuzhupets.com)

I had the fortune of being chosen for a Zhu Zhu Pets Focus Group. 11 zhu zhu pets and their equipment showed up at my door a couple of weeks ago. Let me tell you, these toys are a hit with kids of all ages. Even my 14 year old wanted one. I took the bulk of them to the daycare where my youngest goes after school, but I gave one to each of my girls and, my lucky readers, I have one to give away. Not only will you get a super cool Zhu Zhu pet, you will also get a super cool hamster ball for it to run around your house in. That's right. And there's more. Since these are such a hit with the kiddos, the batteries run down fairly quickly. You will also get one set of replacement batteries in your package. I haven't priced it out at the store, but I'm guess this is about a $20 prize package. And I know you know you want it.

What do you have to do, you may be asking yourself- well, you know I dislike giveaways where you have to do five things, stand on your head, twirl in a circle and invited 10 friends to dance in the street. All you have to do for a chance to win this prize - comment to this post. Yup. That's it. Super easy. Even a baby could do it, almost anyway. To make it easy for me to contact the winner, feel free to put your email in the comment. If you are uncomfortable with that, just be sure that your email is on your profile somewhere so I can get ahold of you if you win.

This is not limited to just my regular readers/followers, so if you want to share the chance at this cool prize with a friend, send them on over.

The contest starts today - 9/9/09 and ends 9/18/09 at midnight. Then I will put all commenters names in a really cute basket I found and have one of the kids draw one out.

Good luck to everybody!

Casting for the Movie

I had a quick thought about writing a book before I fell asleep last night, and then dreamed that I was casting the movie version of that story. The basic concept is a Cinderella story but from the male perspective. There's the guy who wants to do theater and drama, but dad forces him to do sports (or tries), the step mom who loves him and tries to udnerstand but has her own sons (twins). And of course, there's the girl who also loves drama and tried to help him persue his goal. Okay, got it?!? So, you wanna know who was cast??

Main male lead, high school, handsome (duh): Zac Efron (this is probably because i watched "17 Again" over the weekend.)
Dad: Rick Springfield
Mom: Susan Sarrandon
Twin #1: Sterling Knight (probably couldn't pick him out of a crowd but my girls say he looks like Lucas Till)
Twin #2: Lucas Till (couldn't pick him out of a crowd either, but see above note)
Girl "friend": Kelsey from HSM (I have no idea what her real name is but she looked great, hair down, no glasses, cute!)

That's really all I got. There was no filming going on, the whole dream was about finalizing casting and all the actors had to come in and read for me and the director (I have no idea who it was), and I remember when Rick and Zac were doing a reading I was thinking "Kelley would kill me if she knew I was in a room with these two and didn't call her" so I called her.

Then I woke up.

Analyze that!

It's Finally Friday...

Oh, wait, I did that already. Last week. Sorry I haven't had much to update about this week. It's not that I've been so busy, it's just that things have been pretty status quo and there haven't been a lot of "highlights". What are ya gonna do?!?

School's going good for me, good for Lyric and good for Jazz. Except for the bus not picking up Jazz twice this week, it's going okay.

Maybe something wonderful and exciting will happen this weekend and I'll have something to blog about!

I will be having a giveaway next week - not sure what day yet, so stop back for the details!

It's Finally Friday

Hey, all my loyal readers (and guests!) thanks for stopping by on this rainy-ish Friday. This week was a busy one around the Random House. I started back to school on Monday with my Chemistry class. it's sort of a do over but more of a do different. It's the chem I need for nursing school, but they have revamped all the Chem classes and renamed them. This one is more basic and geared directly towards those going into an Allied Health field. Should make it a bit easier (for me anyway). The teacher seems cool. I'll keep you posted.

I also have Microbes and Society. Or is it Microbes IN Society? either way, it's kind of like a continuation of Microbiology, which I loved (let's not talk about having to take it twice) so it should be pretty cool as well.

And to round things out, I have Non Western Literature. The first book we have to read is "Red Sorgum" by Mo Yan. I haven't started it yet (shh, don't tell the teacher) because I'm currently reading "The 19th Wife" but I plan to start it this weekend.

All in all, the classes are going smooth and slow. I'm sure in a few weeks I'll be freaking out about something, but right now it's all good.

My kids start backto school on Monday. Jazz is in 5th grade, Lyric is 9th. High school that is. I'm feeling a little better about it. I can't stop time so I figured I better just jump in with both feet and enjoy it. Jazz is in the band and Lyric is planning to be in the fresh/soph fall play. They are both in Girl Scouts and dance. And that's about enough on my (our) plate for this fall.

I put the "New Moon" trailer up at the top of the page. I also tried to put up the "Californication" trailer/teaser, but I don't know that it is working right.

For those of you that don't know- Rick Springfield will be doing a guest appearance (4 episodes) on "Californication" this season. It's on Showtime, so I won't get to see it right away, but I will for sure be buying the DVD next summer.

That's all I got for now...stay tuned for more fun stuff.

My Wisconsin State Fair Experience

Yes I went to the Wisconsin State Fair. Yes I went with hubby and the girls. Yes my mom and best friend meet us there. Yes I got to see Rick Springfield. Yes I had two semi serious meltdowns. yup, me, meltdown. Hard to believe right?!? here's what went down.

We got to the fair in decent time. We headed in. About the same time we got there, Lynn and her mom got there. I needed to find them to get the extra ticket for the show. We found Fisher's brother fairly quickly. The boys headed off to do whatever it was they wanted to do. The girls and I headed off to find Lynn.


That was actually pretty quick. we hung out and talked for a few minutes and then Lynn headed in while I went to get something to eat. Kelley called to let me know that they were there and at gate 8. The girls and I started walking in the direction I thought we should go (I did have a map afterall) and got to a gate. It was the wrong one. I called Kelley and she gave me some more directions to where they were. It seems we had gone too far.


I called Kelley again and told her I had absolutely no idea where they were. She then asked the guy working there for some help. After a few non helpful directions, he finally said "the tunnel exit". AHA! that sign I had seen. We finally found them about the time that Tyler Hilton was starting his show.


Everybody took a quick potty break and then we headed to the grandstand. Since my girls were going to sit in the grandstand and the rest of us were on the ground, I wanted to make sure that both girls had their phones. I couldn't find Jazz's in my purse, so I threw a little hissy fit by turning my purse upside down and shaking everything out. Then she proceeded to tell me that she had taken it while I was in the bathroom. Nice! Anyway, my mom and Kelley picked everything up for me (thanks!), asked me if I was ok (not really!) and we headed into the show.


Tyler did a great job and I will be looking him up on itunes soon. Rick did a great job as well. My mom's camera batteries were dead and it was killing her that she couldn't take photos so she kept taking my camera and Kelley's camera and going up front.


Later in the show, Rick came out for Human Touch and ended up walking right behind us on our seats. He used my mom's shoulder to steady himself and after the show she said, "How much you wanna pay to touch my shirt?" LOL I love my mom.

Anyway, we had a nice time. Fisher had a great visit with his brother. And Jazz said after "I forgot how much I like Rick concerts!"


Here's a few of the better photos from my camera.

Pocketville

I signed up to be a tester for this site, and they are allowing me to share the code so you can check it out as well.

By visiting Pocketville, http://www.jungleinmypocket.com/, and entering the voucher code below, your child can purchase items for their virtual pet at the Pocketville Pet Supplies Store:

Voucher Code: B9GX8NUDYS
Valid for 250 Pocketville Tokens

Please note that the voucher code expires on September 30th, 2009 so make sure to take advantage of this fun offer while it lasts!

If you do try this out, please come back and let me know what you think. Jazz won't get to try it for a few days yet due to a busy schedule, but I'll be posting about her thoughts soon. Also, feel free to share the code above with friends you think may be interested.

photos of NYC

Here's a few photos to start you off....

Lyric and AW in Times Square

View from the Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Plaza)

Lyric and her future husband, Kevin Jonas

This was our first stop in the city, a backstage tour of Radio City Music Hall

Lyric in front of The Dakota

Don't worry, I've got lots more photos to share. I took about 250 and Lyric took about 50... so you better stay tuned

NYC - actually mostly Manhattan...

We got back bright and early Saturday morning from our wonderful week in New York. We saw and did so much, I had to make a list so I wouldn't forget anything. I'll have photos to share soon, but here's the quick once over of what we did:


Radio City Music Hall
Rockefeller Center
Ellen's Stardust Diner
St Patrick's Cathedral
Time Square
Central Park
The Dakota
Columbia Univeristy
Grant's Tomb
The only free standing House left in Manhattan
Apollo Theatre (Lyric sang on the stage)
Grand Central Station
Harlem Market
Planet Hollywood
Madame Toussauds
Build a Bear (got Jazz an I heart NY bear)
Top of the Rock
United Nations (International territory!)
St Paul's Chapel
Ground Zero
South Streeet Seaport
"In The Heights" (broadway show)
Strawberry Fiels
Drew Barrymore and Justin Long filming their new movie
NBC Studio Tour
Tiffany's
Trump Tower for Lunch
Prada
John's Pizzeria
Ellis Island
Statue of Liberty
and lots of Shopping!

More details and photos to come soon.

Why are all my favorites guys?

My favorite singers include Rick Springfield,

Rob Thomas,

Jon Bon Jovi,

Chris Daughtry,

and Darren Hayes.

Well, not include. That's it. That's my Top 5 list. If you look at my ipod (when I have it) you will see that these guys have the highest amount of songs/space. Bon Jovi is giving Rick a run for his money...LOL

My favorite actors: well, Rick fits in here too I guess, then

Matthew McConaughey,

Patrick Dempsey,

Jason Thompson.

I guess here we only have a top 4.

nope, we do have a top 5. Was watching TV last night and realized I forgot this guy:

The only female I can think of for either list is Sandra Bullock. She's awesome.

So, why are all my favorites guys?? Is it because there are more male musicians than female?? Is it purely because I'm a girl and I want to look at nice looking guys?? (any of the above mentioned musicians can sing in my ear anyday. i don't care if Darren is gay, I'd still let him sing to me!) Is it truely a phenomenon, or is this common for all women.? I'd like to know what everybody else thinks. Am i weird or is this totally normal??

It's Human Touch time

First of all, let me just say how super excited I am. Yesterday I won tickets to see Rick Springfield at the Wisconsin State Fair. Super Cool! Lyric wants to go, and I think my mom is coming too. How great is that.

but more importantly, the book "Human Touch" is ready! This is a compliation of stories from Rick Springfield fans about how the music and the man has affected our lives. If you are interested in checking it out (or it's predicessor- Karma) click here . Both books are available for download or print copy.

There are 21 stories, in honor of Sahara Aldridge, a fan/friend of Rick's. Sahara played basketball and her number was always 21. Her birthday is today...or would have been. Sahara had a brain tumor, and although she fought hard, God needed her more than we did. All proceeds from this new book are going to MVTH , where Sahara went for therapy. Her parents are on the board now and this is a great organization.

If you are looking for some fun stories, check out these books. Feedback is always appreciated.

Happy Blogaversary...to me

it all started here and not much has changed. I'm still a busy wife, mom, girl scout leader, college student, wanna be writer. But I've made some new friends over the past three years, and I've learned some new stuff. In this ever changing world, it's nice to have the comforts of knowing my blog (and your blog and your blog and your blog) will all be here.

To those of you that have been around since the beginning, thanks for sticking with me. For those of you that are new to Random Thoughts, your timing couldn't be better. I should be having a give away in the next couple of weeks. (I'd like to do it before the New York trip, but since I haven't received the stuff yet, I'm not sure). I'm going to step up my review (books, music and products) and hopefully continue to be enlightening and entertaining to my readers.

Again, thanks for sticking around, and I hope to see you more in the future!

My Life According to Rick Springfield

My Life According to Rick Springfield

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on if you like. Try not to repeat a song title. Repost as "My Life According to (BAND NAME)"

Pick Your Artist:Rick Springfield

Are you a male or female?"Woman"

Describe yourself:"I Get Excited"

How do you feel:"Wasted"

Describe where you currently live:"Somewhere"

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:"Up The Wooden Hills to Beford"

Your favorite form of transportation:"Carry me Away"

Your best friend is:"Beautiful You"

Your favorite color is:"The Night is a Friendly Color"

What's the weather like:"Another Rainy Night"

Favorite time of day:"Say Goodnight"

If your life was a tv show, what would it be called:"American Girls"

What is life to you:"Perfect"

Your relationship:"Affair of the Heart"

Your fear:"Time Stands Still"

What is the best advice you have to give:"Celebrate Youth"

If you could change your name, you would change it to:"Karma"

Thought for the Day:"What’s Victoria’s Secret?”

How I would like to die:"Speak To The Sky"

My soul's present condition:"Faithful"

My motto:"It’s always something”

now you try it!

Words With Blogger Feature

i'm featured this week here . Go see what I have to say about blogging, writer's block and a word (or two) to the newbies. While you are there, check out what else Tess has going on. She's a writer, photographer, wife and mom (and so much more!)

Jonas Brothers

Okay, here it is....We got there in great time...went to dinner TGI FRidays)...went to the venue (Allstate Arena)....there was no kind of crowd control and we ended up standing in line outside for over an hour. By the time we got in, the first act had started and by the time we got to our seats, they were essentially done.

The Wonder Girls did one song (apparently a new release) and that was it.

Jordin Sparks. Was. Awesome. I was pleasantly surprised at her performance. Glad we didn't miss that.

At about 9pm, the Jonas Brothers took the stage. Their set lasted almost two hours. Nicely done, boys, nicely done. Here's a few of my pix.

The girls all had a good time. Next time/year, I hope that we can schedule things so Lyric can go.

I heart Chris Brady follow up

Oh, I know you are just dying to hear how the Jo Bros concert went...I'll post about that when I get the photos off my camera. But I have a follow up to the Chris Brady post.

Last night was the last performance of David the King. Jazz and I helped out in the concession stand again. She was super exicted about meeting Chris after the show. Until we watched the show, then she got shy and nervous. Lyric said she wouldn't ask Chris to sign Jazz' program unless Jazz went with her. She wouldn't do it.

Lyric really stepped up then and I was very proud of her. She went to say good bye to Chris and told him that Jazz wanted his autograph. Jazz was sitting with face in hands hiding and Chris walked about to her and tapped her knee. Lyric said "Jazz, you just got touched by Chris Brady!". Then she said to him, "She loves you." He said, "And I for that I love her."
Chris took the program, signed by his photo and then said "It was very nice to me you, Jazz."
The whole time she was hiding behind her hands.

She said she was embarrassed...and I guess I didn't help, but to me, he was just a guy. Of course, put me in front of Rick Springfield and I could be hiding behind my hands too!

I heart Chris Brady

Okay, I don't really, well, I mean, I kind of do...I guess we need to back up.

Lyric is part of this . There is an actor that she really looks up to (well, several, but stay with me). They were in last year's show (Jonah) together and she is thrilled to be acting with him again this year. His wife helps out with the shows as well, and they have a beautiful daughter (at least that's what Lyric says, I've never seen her). Anyway, Jazz loves him. Loves him loves him loves him. I tease her about who loves him more, her or his wife. It's kind of cute and a little funny.

Last year she was able to get his autograph on the show's program. You would have thought it was from these guys. So, when we were waiting the other night for Lyric to come out after the show (she's typically one of the last ones to change and get upstairs), Jazz noticed Chris Brady.

Jazz: Mom, there's Chris.
Me: Yup.
Jazz: I love Chris Brady.
Me: I know. Maybe you should get a shirt made up.
Jazz: Can I really?

We were waiting and Chris was right in front of us helping clear the stage for the night when I start "sing songing" I heart Chris Brady over and over. (I wish there was audio on here because it's actually quite funny).

We might get her a plain tee and write on it - in the I heart NY shirt theme - I heart Chris Brady and then have Chris sign it.

He's a very nice guy, and a great actor. I hope he knows he has his own little fan club (of at least 1).

As far as her other favorites - We (Jazz and I) are going to see The Jonas Brothers tonight. It will be her first "real" concert. I mean, I've taken her to a couple of Rick shows, but this is the first concert that is her music. Should be interesting just to watch her. I'll let you know how it goes.

Cherry Bomb

As you may or may not know, JA Konrath is one of my favorite authors. His new book is out "Cherry Bomb"...a new "chapter" in the life of Jack Daniels. Yup, that's right. The main character is named Jack Daniels. If you haven't read these book, it's time to start. I owe the author a book review on a previous book. I guess I better get to it. *sigh* But I'm really looking forward to reading this book. Hopefully I can pick up a copy this weekend.

Book Launch Party Information Joe is doing a book launch. If you are in the Chicago area, check out his blog for more information. I have it on good authority that there will be free beer!

Project Complete

I always seem to have several projects either in the works, or ones that I want to do. Here's one I completed this weekend.

CLOSET BEFORE:

CLOSET AFTER:

The changes may be very subtle, but most noticable to me is the fact that I can walk all the way into the closet without having to step over a bunch of stuff. Also, Things are more organized. School stuff is together, Girl Scout stuff is together, Rick stuff is together (hehe). It just feels good to walk in there in the morning to pick out my clothes.

If only I could get the rest of my life/house this together.

A little about me

I've been tagged by Lynn .

The Rules:
1. Respond and rework; answer the questions on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your invention, add one more question of your own.
2. Tag other people.

The Questions:
What is your current obsession? currently - staying ahead on my homework
What are you wearing today? blue (pants) and yellow (top) scrubs
What’s for dinner? I believe fish- since Lyric is gone we don't have to make two meals
What would you eat for your last meal? Cheeseburger and fries
What are you listening to right now? The therapists talking in the back office
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go? anywhere I could nap
What language do you want to learn? French or Aussie slang
What do you love most about where you currently live? enough room for everybody and we are close to both our moms
What style is your current home decorated in? early American garage sale...actually it's not that bad, but it can't be classified as a style, just a mix of whatever
If you were a time traveler what era would you live in? I think I'd go back to the 80s with Amy & Lynn
What is your favorite color? right now - green
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe? hanes her way bra- seriously, it fits so good I can't even feel it!
What were you doing ten years ago? figuring out how to be a mom to two girls
Describe your personal style? Simple
If you had $300 now, what would you spend it on? new sheets!
What are you going to do after this? working
What are your favorite films? depends on my mood, usually comedies or chick flicks
Your favorite books? Janet Evanovich and Barabara Delinsky
Do you collect anything? not really, I'm trying to get rid of things at my house
What makes you follow a blog? if I have things in common with the person
What artist has the most songs on your ipod? I have Rick Springfield and Bon Jovi running neck in neck, but I think Rick is winning

Ann's Question:
What makes you comment on a blog? Something that makes me laugh or I feel I learned from, I like to let them know

Amy's Question:
What is your favorite thing to do when you have some free time? free time is hot commodity right now because I have two summer classes, but last week while I was on vacation, I spend a lot of time reading (not a book a day though)

Anissa's Question:
As you know I homeschool -- If you could would you? I know myself well enough to know I can't. If I was a different person, I might consider it...but it's just not for me.

Tonya's question:
What is a talent you wished you had? anything athletic

Amy's question:
What is your favorite Michael Jackson song? I don't know that I have a favorite, but for the past few days I've been singing Smooth Criminal in my head repeatedly

Lynn's question:
There's been quite a few Celebrity deaths lately and it got me thinking. Though they are shocking and sad none of them have really affected me much. What is the one celebrity death that will really devastate you, if any? I have to say Rick Springfield. He's such a part of me through his music and friends I have met, I can't imagine a time when I'm not planning for the next show.

Aim's question:
You've just been given six months to live...what do you do with it? I would spend as much time with my family as I could, and try to make some lifetime goals happen. I would do my best to enjoy everyday, and make sure I left something for my girls to remember me by (scrapbooks, photo albums and written letters). And make sure that I die with no regrets.

Who to tag, who to tag??

Tess at Six Feet Under

Stacy

Harriet