MUSIC FAVORITES (Singles) FOR 2006

These are in no particular order. Some are new, some are old, some I didn't appreciate fully the first time around. Some, I'm just getting around to now. And lots, I'm sure, I'm forgetting. It's just a sampling of what I've listened to and loved this past year. Sorry, couldn't find links for a couple.

Crazy ~ Gnarls Barkley
Train ~ Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise
Flying on a Blue Dream ~ Joe Satriani
Blood Red Summer ~ Coheed and Cambria
16 Horses,
Circles ~ Soul Coughing
The Revolution Starts Now ~ Steve Earle
Lonely No More ~ Rob Thomas
Love and Memories ~ OAR
Walking After You ~ The Foo Fighters
Soul Meets Body~ Death Cab For Cutie
Cry Love ~ John Hiatt
You're Beautiful,
High ~ James Blunt
My Divine ~ Diana
Arc of Time,
Easy/Lucky/Free ~ Bright Eyes
Imaginary Lover,
So Into You ~ Atlanta Rhythm Section
Scarecrow ~ Beck
No One Has to Cry ~ the Fixx
Night in my Veins ~ the Pretenders
We Care A lot ~ Faith No More
It's All Been Done ~ Bare Naked Ladies
Posession ~ Sarah MacLachlan
White Flag ~ Dido
Fisherman Blues ~ The Waterboys
Breathe Me ~ Sia
Way Out ~ Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Post-War ~ M. Ward
Love You in the Fall ~ Paul Westerberg
And just aboot Everything by ~ The Cure

I had a nother whole list going but I seem to have misplaced it. There's a bunch by Collective Soul and I know I'm forgetting some newer stuff. Crazy and Train are right up at the top of my list, I am sure of that.

Join me in wishing Wonderful Paul Westerberg a Happy 47th birthday. Love and Hugs, Paul!

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HEAVE A SIGH...

... not of relief, but of longing. If I were allowed to use the time machine that Simon "gave" me for Christmas for just one other thing besides seeing the Replacements perform, I would go back to the weekend and live it over. This was one of the most beautiful Christmas holidays that I've had. I probly say that every year, but I'm impressionable that way.

Ju and Mr. JuJu and the Three Little JuJu Kids left today and I miss them terribly already. Coming home from work to a quiet house, finding PD sullen and alone, was awful. I am never as happy as I am when this house if bustling and brimming with people I love. It doesn't matter if the house gets trashed or the sink is piled high with dishes or the phone is ringing off the hook or whatever, when PD and I have a houseful, I am blissful. God has blessed me with two wonderful kids, a great family and wonderful friends and I feel so fortunate.

The fact that I had to work all week was a holy downer, yes. But that was my own fault for using up all my vacation time this summer and the days that I didn't enjoy, I used up being sick. My friends at work and I are starting a campaign to have our company shut down for two weeks next year before the Christmas holiday. Yeah, right.

But anyway, we had a lovely day, the morning spent with my in-laws, the afternoon with my side of the family and the evening here with our offspring. (Ugh, why did I write that? I hate that word. It sounds like some kind of clone/mutation thing.) The kids, rather.

As an added note, my favorite gift (in real life) came from my grandson, Little J. He presented me with a Rainbow Fish bookmark and Milk Duds. Which he, himself, wrapped. Beautifully.

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HI HO, HI HO...

Holiday was wonderful. Still smiling and having that warm, fuzzy feeling. Good thing... Baby, it's getting cold outside.

More on Christmas when time permits. Hope you all had your own great day. Tell me you did.

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TIME FOR PAYBACKS!

Everybody gather around and see what I got you for Christmas. Shopping with no restrictions was so much fun! It's fun and easy to shop when you don't have to work within a budget and the sky's the limit.

I'm enjoying the virtual gifts from each of you. You were all so generous! Thank you so much.

Now Natalie, you were fun to shop for. I went to Spencer's and bought you something for everyday of the year to make you laugh. Not just laugh, but the way you and I used to laugh at work everyday- to the point of tears and sore stomach muscles. And then I ran into Bon-Ton and picked out the most beautiful blue cardigan I could find. I was going to knit one for you but who the h--- has that kind of time???

Mark, I'm enjoying the cd, that was so nice and thoughtful of you. I hope you like your gift. It's a recording studio with aboot a gazillion technologically advanced gadgets so that you can play and make noise until the cows come home. Moo.

Jeff, thanks for the Coke. It wasn't easy and I had to pull a few strings but I got you a new knee. It had to be back-ordered, but that's ok because now you have time to tell me what color you want. They have flourescent pink, green and orange. There's a lifetime warranty and it's completely waterproof. (All joking aside, if I could, that is what I would want to give you.)

Cas, how thoughtful your gift was. And it brings out the green in my eyes... I found the perfect gift for you yesterday in Peebles. It's a scarf made completely of little mink balls. And by that I mean balls of mink fur. (I hate to think what all the rest of you were thinking.) But it's so soft and pretty and expensive-looking. I hope you like it. I'd say it goes with everything...

Oh, Simon. What a gift! I will get plenty of use out of that. And I understand completely the risk of abuse and will behave accordingly. Thanks! I'll get you a T-shirt. But that's not your gift. First thing I thought to get you was an iPod. But I decided instead to give you unlimited Flyer Miles on the airline of your choice. When you and Amy want to spend grown-up time, you can just whisk Tav and Dex down here to Aunt Linda's and have yourself a weekender. Selfish gift, I know. I'll throw in the iPod to make up for that detail.

Mokshazzam, thank you! Very thoughtful gift. You're feeding my vices. I'm not going to return the favor (that would make me an enabler) but I found a way to make Norah's childhood last twice as long. There may be times now and then that you'll curse me, but considering the big picture, you'll appreciate it immensely.

TC, thanks man. I had a helluva Bash with all the B stuff. But one thing, you forgot the Boys. So I borrowed some. For you, I tracked down a publisher. I know maybe you'd never thought of writing for the whole world, but you're good at it and I think everybody should know. She's yours for as long as you need her and when you're famous, please remember us back here. ;-) And since you always make me laugh, I got you a bottomless refrigerator that will always be full of brew. Don't drink and drive, Dude.

Now that was my best shopping trip so far. No crowds, no parking headaches, didn't have to change out of sweatpants. The wrapping took up no room at all, I got no papercuts and didn't run out of tape. Not once. I think I might shop like this next year too, for everybody.

And for my readers who are "invisible," I know you were thinking of me and that's a gift in itself.

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STICK A FORK IN ME...

It's Christmas Eve. It's 10:17 PM EST. I am going to go pour myself a good, stiff drink. Then I am going to take a long, hot shower and I am going to bed. It's been a long day. :-)))))))))))))

I feel like a little kid, I can't wait for tomorrow morning.

Merry Christmas with Love.

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THE REASON FOR THE SEASON














I want to wish you and your family, friends and loved ones a Blessed
and memorable Holiday.
I hope you feel the true Christmas Spirit and share love and laughter with those near and dear to you.


May God Bless you and keep you Happy and Healthy and in His care.

With Love from Me to You.

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AVOIDANCE TACTIC # 147

147. Alphabetize your cd collection.

Guess what I did last night? (You all know me so well.)

You see, my Christmas gift from PD is a huge cd cabinet. I should take a picture but that requires time I don't have. It holds 542 cds if I remember correctly. There are 7 shelves and they are aboot 80 cds wide. I started with Arcade Fire and got as far as No Doubt. I have 3 empty shelves yet. I'm hoping to save the last two for movie soundtracks and compilations, but I don't know... Initially I invited PD to include his collection with mine but he assured me that both would not fit. I guess it's kind of a good thing he didn't wanna. As it is, I packed up all my country cds and put them in a box. I hadn't listened to them in a few years. I did rescue 3 or 4 that I just can't part with.

Normally, I NEVER open gifts before the holiday but this cabinet was kind of taking up a whole lot of space hiding in the dining room. And we decided that if we set it up in the living room, we could remove all the other pieces of furniture that were storing cds and free up some space for entertaining. So, I broke a rule. Don't tell Santa.

So now I will have all my music (at least the cds) in one place. And in order. What a time saver that will be. And Lord knows, I need all the time I can get.

I'm also beginning to think that I need all the time management counselling I can get.

Natalie, get off here and go do your homework, dammit. ;-)

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I'M SORRY. I COULDN'T RESIST.
PICTURE HERE DELETED- was causing a ridiculous barrage of weird search strings.

What did you think, that I would post a picture of a bunch of half-naked women in Santa hats?
Check out the third guy from the left (with his arms up in the air) and tell me what you think he might be thinking or saying. Have fun with it.

BTW, the "click to embiggen" feature only works on the entire pic, not individual parts...

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NO PEEKING

I decided to make y'all wait till the big day to get your virtual gifts. You see, I had a party at work today and lots to do before and after and didn't really get much time to put lots of thought and consideration into gift-giving. Real or not, I don't want to give crappy gifts.

Are you sick of the questions? If you are, don't answer them and I'll consider it your anti-vote.
Otherwise, bear with me. I don't have the time for a real post. Besides, I like your answers.

1) If you could change your gender, would you? (and why, briefly.)
2) Do you have a good luck charm?
3) First thing that attracted you to your mate.
4) One thing (aside from a person or persons) without which, you could not get through the day.
5) What are you reading right now?

Okay, I tried to make these quick and easy. See you later.

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SANTA BABY

I'm sorry if you came back again and there's still nothing here. I'm a little bogged under. I had to sacrifice (in the interest of time management) either reading blogs or writing one.

In order that this space doesn't shrivel up and die while I'm (guess.) writing out Christmas cards (still.) maybe you could leave me a message. I know! How's this, if time or space or money or ANYthing were no object, what would you give me for a Christmas present? For each of you who leaves an answer, I will tell you what I would give to you. This might be fun ;-)

Play nice. Or not...

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JUST KILLIN' TIME...


... until PD wakes up from a nap so we can have dinner. Had a good day at work and a good week too. Funny how some people put on their best faces just because the holiday is near. I could never understand why, if they can do it for a few weeks, why not all the time? It's so much easier to be nice and smile than it is to be grumpy and contrary. No sense in condemning them tho' for making an effort, so I'm just enjoying it.

Since y'all seem to have egos and enjoy talking aboot yourselves, here are some more questions that need some answering... Dual purpose; make you feel good and satisfy my curiosity. ;-)

1) What item would you choose to put into a time capsule that would best represent you?
2) What is your favorite slow-dance song?
3) How many pillows do you sleep with?
4) What's your favorite euphemism for "making out"?
5) What color are your eyes?

I was blog-surfing instead of doing Christmas cards last night. Came across some artwork I really liked. The artist is Lisa Hammer. I went to her website and found out she is quite a versatile kinda gal. If you're interested at all, go check her out. The artwork I especially liked is shown up there. It's legal for me to post that here, right, if I give the artist credit?

Have a good weekend.

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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE

Nothing planned to write today, so I'll probly just end up rambling...

Good news to share and I'm knocking on wood as I type this- I am beginning to feel better every day. My ribs are just kind of sore now instead of the kind of pain I'd had. I can actually reach and bend without flinching and I'm, oh, so very glad. I still get worse at the end of the day but not nearly as bad. Thanks for all your thoughts and caring through this ordeal. PD is coming along too but sad to say, not as well as I am. The weather changes wreak havoc (Hi TC!) with his head and ears and he's still coughing. And sore. And grouchy. Very. (shhhhh... don't say I told.)

Started watching the second Pirates of the Carribean last night. Fell asleep. It was my own fault for neglecting writing Christmas cards. (Avoidance technique #86- rent dvd to watch.) Frankly, in the first half hour I was afraid I wasn't going to like it. I thought Johnny/Jack was overdoing the sashay thing a bit. But I got past that and was fine. I will finish it tonight instead of finishing cards.

When I came home today, PD was reading this. Thought you might be interested. Kinda trippy if you ask me. Imagine...

Okay, I'm going to watch the movie and eat dinner and see what else I can find to do. I might run off a few more copies of my Christmas letter and print a few pictures. I'll need them when I get around to finishing the cards. Don't you hate those incidental things that you have to do before you can do the main thing? In the words of the great Rose Ann Rosanndanna, "It's always somethin'. If it's not one thing, it's another..." I loved that woman.

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YESTERDAY (cont.)

I met Rick when I was a senior in High School. I was "dating" a sophmore who was sweet and cute, despite his lack of a driver's license... Rick was his best friend. Rick was also sweet and older and not only had his driver's license but a hot Mach I to boot. He was as good a friend as he was a chauffeur ;-) He was the kind of guy who would do anything for anybody, nice as they come. I remember him being a terrific tennis player. He lived with his parents at the time and when I met up with him again last year after not having seen him since, oh, I don't know-aboot 1970-something, he still lived in the same house. Both his parents had since died and he'd taken care of both of them when they developed health problems later in their lives. He'd been so devoted to taking care of his family that he basically put his own life on hold and, as a result, had never married or had children.

One evening last year aboot this time, PD and I were having dinner in a restaurant. While we were waiting for our food I was looking around at people and across the way I noticed someone who vaguely reminded me of Rick. Knowing how much time had passed, I tried to imagine what he might look like. I decided this man looked much too old to be my old friend. Besides that, he seemed to be handicapped. Over the course of time waiting for our food, I kept finding myself watching this poor man trying to eat his food and as the time passed, I suspected that it might indeed, be him. Before long I was convinced that it was and excused myself from our table and approached him. By the time I reached him, there was no doubt in my mind that this bent and crippled man was my dear old friend. He looked up at me and for a second, didn't know who I was. By this time, my eyes were welled-up with tears. I said "Rick." He said, "Linda?" I nodded. He put his fork down and reached toward me with his good arm. "Oh my God" he said and began to cry. When I hugged him, he returned a hearty, one-armed squeeze.

Rick's younger brother was sitting across from him in the booth and I introduced myself. He had been a mere boy the last time I'd seen him and I knew he wouldn't have remembered me. He slid over and motioned for me to sit. I motioned to PD to let him know I'd be a few minutes and sat there while Rick and I quickly caught up on how he came to be in the condition that kept me from recognizing him right away. He had developed diabetes, had several strokes and lost most of the use of one side of his body. His face drooped a bit on one side and it was difficult to understand some of his speech but his sunny disposition still shone through, despite all his problems. To make a long story short, we exchanged phone numbers and promised to keep in touch.

I have sent cards to Rick on each holiday since then and each time he has called to thank me cheerfully and ask about the family and what was new. The Thanksgiving card I sent was not acknowledged but I attributed it to the business (busy-ness?) of this time of year. I mailed a Christmas card to him on Friday. Yesterday when I came home from work, PD reported that Rick had called and hoped I would call him back. So I did.

He thanked me for the card and I asked him how he'd been feeling. He told me that he was having laser surgery on his eye today. It would be the 4th surgery he's had on the same eye. I understand that when his sugar level gets too high, it causes hemorrhages and blindness in his eye. They must go in and cauterize to stop the bleeding. He sounded apprehensive so I reassured him as much as I could and decided to move on to a more cheerful topic and asked him how his Christmas plans were shaping up. He started to cry. I was totally not prepared. When I asked him what was wrong, he told me that he didn't want to have Christmas and was tired and didn't care to live any longer. He has no friends and no one to care about him. Gulp. What in the hell do you say to someone who confesses to you that they want to die? I spent the next hour or so talking to him, reaching far into my heart and brain to find something, anything, to say to him to convince him otherwise. Have you ever tried to do that??? Let me tell you that I am completely unqualified medically, socially, spiritually, whatever... to deal with a situation like this. He did at one point, tell me that he'd talked to his Priest and promised he wouldn't hurt himself and he sounded sincere. At a point when I was nearing emotional exhaustion, failing to convince him he needed to talk to a professional, I asked him to allow me to call him today and see how the surgery went. He said he'd appreciate that but it wasn't necessary. I convinced him that I was being selfish and that I'd worry if I didn't hear from him. He agreed that we'd talk today and I felt relieved somewhat, that I'd at least bought some time. I called when I got home from work, got no answer and left a message that I would call back after dinner. I'm hoping to talk to his brother and make sure that he gets some kind of help. So that's why I asked for prayers...

Quick update: I talked to Rick last night, the surgery went well, his sight is coming back. He is in much better spirits. His brother took him shopping yesterday and he actually bought a light-up angel and a light-up tree to hang in his window. Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers. I'm going to see him in a couple of days.

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A FAVOR?

For those of you inclined - using the time that you would normally spend reading here, would you please say a prayer for a dear, dear old friend of mine, Rick, who's having an exceptionally hard time right now? I'm really worried about him. Will explain later. Thanks. I'll love ya forever.

Thanks too for all your answers on yesterday's post. :-)

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I GOT NUTHIN'

I sat down here with not a thought in my head. After two minutes of staring at this white square, I'm still getting nuthin'. Maybe I'll ask more questions and rely on my friends to do the thinking part of this post. Are you game? I'll try to keep it simple so you don't have to cut into work time, or too much anyway. Please lurkers, put your two cents in too. You can be anonymous, I don't mind. Natalie does it all the time. ;-)

1) What is the oldest item in your wallet? (not including cash)
2) Last time you told someone you loved them? (when and who)
3) Favorite Christmas Carol?
4) Guilty pleasure?
5) What are you most likely doing on a Sunday morning?

Ok, that's it. There are so many things I want to know aboot you, this will have to do for now.

And here's a funny, totally unrelated Quote: "Boy, those French- they have a different word for everything." ~ Steve Martin :-)

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TA DA !!!


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OVERWHELMED AND UNDER PRESSURE

Had a hard time with this title, typed Overwhelmed and Under... what? Paid? Definitely. Stress? Absolutely. Understaffed was definitely in the running. Duress? Ha! Poopy is cracking the holiday whip and it's coming dangerously close to reddening my butt.

Last night's plan was to have a friend over, drink some beer and we would decorate the tree. It didn't happen and that is probly for the best, as PD informed me in no uncertain terms that tree-decorating is a family activity. Guess my idea was sacrilegious or something. So I went to sleep last night with the intention of getting up early and having at the tree.

In the morning hours after I rolled out of bed, my Avoidance strategy kicked in, big time. I made my coffee, came on here and read every blog I've visited in the past year. Even a few I haven't. Then I downloaded some music and read some mail and played some Spider Solitaire. Then I smoked a cigarette and made two lists of everything else I'm avoiding. Then I wrote out a Christmas card. Then I ate breakfast. Then I turned the TV on and watched the weather, which was a total waste of time since the ground is covered with snow and that means it's cold.
I did, however, catch the preview of one of those popular medical comedies that everyone watches that gave me a chuckle. Scrubs, maybe. A "doctor" said something like this... "I'm pretty sure if they took porn off the Internet, the only site left on the whole Internet would be called 'Bring Back the Porn'." And what he said before that reminded me of JuJu, which was something like this... "I'm pretty sure if the person in line in front of me in the coffee shop hasn't decided yet what they want in the half-hour that we've been waiting in line, it's okay if I kill them."

I did a bunch of other stuff too, but I finally got the tree decorated. Finished around 3 pm.

Oh, and today in the mail I received a check in the amount of $2.35 from a bank in the town I grew up in for "Distribution" from the Estate of John C----, someone I've never heard of in my life. Have to look into that, I guess. That will give me something to do, I guess, when I'm looking for things to do to avoid writing out the rest of my Christmas cards.

And get this- One day last week I visited Moksha Gren's brother Jet's site on Myspace. In order to leave a comment, I had to set up an account. All I did was establish a username and password and for practice, I put my picture there. Then I left a few comments on Jet's site and left. Last night Ju and I were on IM and we were talking aboot it, for another reason. I went there and not only did I find my picture there but my age, address, zodiac sign, marital status (single! ha) and a statement that I do not wish to have children, for gawdsake. And there is no such thing on the page as an edit button OR a delete option. I was pissed. Oh well, whatever.

I came across this quote this morning when I was reading Blinded by the Lyrics by Brent Mann, when I should have been draping garland... "Somebody has to do something, and it's just incredibly pathetic that it has to be us." I could ask you to guess who may have said this, but then I'd just have to be coming back here over and over again all day to check answers. And I have better, er, more important, pressing things to do. It was the late, great Jerry Garcia. No, I've never been a fan but the quote struck me funny.

K, I'm going to go do something that has absolutely nothing to do with the upcoming holiday. And then tomorrow I'll post more on Avoidance Techniques 101.

Have a good weekend. And those of you who need to update blogs, please do so. Now.

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OUT THERE

Just thought this was interesting... Concerning David Byrne of The Talking Heads, Punk Magazine reported this bit of news in 1976- When David (Byrne -which is my MIL's maiden name as a matter-of-fact) applied for admission to Rhode Island School of Design, he submitted a project: Xerox copies of Etch-a-Sketch maps of each of the fifty states. The admissions board took one look, and said they were sorry, there was nothing more they could do for him.

Wish I had thought of that. The Etch-a-Sketch thing, not the board thing.

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WHAT COLOR IS YOUR THINKING CAP?

Sorry, internet. I'm not finding the time to post tonight. Which could be a good thing, considering that my readers went a little apeshit on me yesterday. ;-) Is that one word or two?
I'm letting this up to you and hoping against hope I don't live to regret it. I'll ask you a few questions and let it go from there. Pick one or two or answer them all. Have fun with it. :-)

1) If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
2) If you could change places with anyone for a day who would it be? And why?
3) What is your favorite position?
4) By some strange twist of fate, you find yourself standing in front of me. What do you say?
5) If you had to pick a nickname for me besides Wink, what would it be?

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BIG AND FAT

Today started out just like yesterday (except my hair looked much better). And when I walked out the door to leave for work, there were big, fat beautiful snowflakes falling under a big, fat beautiful full Moon. It was beautiful. And then I had a very good day.

Until tonight when my side was hurting so bad I had to take a big, fat pink pill belonging to a family of narcotics. Now I am going to take my big, fat butt to bed, hug a couple of big, fat pillows and hope I dream of some big, fat snowflakes falling under a big, fat full Moon.

Yeah, I took the pill aboot a half an hour ago. What's your point?

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MY DAY

Today was an absolutely perfect day, take away the cold wind. And the fact that I had to get up at 5:30 and didn't get up until 5:45 and ended up having to rush around. And that my hair looked like shit. And that I had to spend it at work. Other than those little details, good day.

Came home from work and read some excellent blogs (my usuals, which are the best OTW*).

PD had ordered me a cd from Amazon or eBay, I forget which. I think he ordered it Friday and it came today, quick! What an amazing, kick-ass awesome cd! It's RoBert BradlEy's BlAckwater SuRprise (band) New Ground (cd). You seriously have to buy, download, steal, whatever it is you do to hear this cd. I am fighting the urge to use the eff word to convince you how good this cd is! Before I finish here, I'll check YouTube and see if I can find some of their music for you.
I heard the song Train on Friday morning and was so taken with it I came home and checked out the band and liked what I heard. There's even a song on the cd called Lindy. Which means nothing to you, I know, unless you know my real name ;-) Which is "Delilah." ;-)

Anyway, there was so much positive energy and laughter in my life today. I love days like this. Aside from all that crap up there, of course. But those things are the little price tags attached to the big, good things, huh? You know it.

Sorry, couldn't find much good on YT. You'll just have to trust me on this one.

*On the Web

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SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY*

*or How to Not Get into the Christmas Spirit...

Eye've ben lessenin' tu piearates onna cd taday seengin' ther bloody chants 'n ballads and chanteys awl murnin'. En nowh eyem fyenden misself tawken lyke the bloody whoren' en swiggen' pigs thee ayre. Tha langwege thayre uzin' is lyke sumpthin' me virgin eers have naught heerd en me lyfe. Blimey. But bloody hell, if eyem naught enjoyen' the damthin'. Eyem cleenin' me hoose an lessinin' tu tha lykes a' Sting an' Bono an' Nick Cave an' Bryan Ferry an' Jolie Holland an' Lou Reed, ta nayme a few. Tha eff wurd is flyen' arownd me hoose lyke thars moore brawlin' gowen awn heer then holiday prep'ration. En partickular, a song bye Nick Cave, tha name o' Fyre Down B'low. Holy Muthera Gawd. Some-un needs ta wash that boy's filthy craw out with sum lye soap.

So, yeah, I started out today determined to get myself a piece of the Ol' Christmas Spirit. Somewhere things took a zany turn and I ended up listening to Rogue's Gallery. Very interestin' piece o' work, I must say. Not something you wanna slam in the cd player with the kiddies runnin' around, but for putting up the tree? Hell yeah.

If you don't know aboot this cd, it was produced by Johnny Depp and Gore Verbinski. The two conspired during the filming of Pirates of the Carribean. The actual story of how the project got off the ground is quite interesting. You'll have to read the book (that comes with the cd.) As I am a bit worn out from all the swashbuckling and grog-swigging I've been indulging in all day, this is aboot as much of a review as yer gonna git from me tonight, Matey. ;-) I liked it. Period.

So I guess I'll get in the Spirit another day. (If you had trouble reading that first paragraph, I suggest reading it out loud. That's what me and my bloody friends do...)

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WHEN I WOKE

Did I happen to mention that when I woke up on Friday it was 60 degrees and when I woke up today it was 28 degrees? WTF?

Speaking of wtf, I'm not sure if I heard this right but I'm pretty sure... I turn the news on in the am to check the weather. The tv is on in the background when I'm getting ready for work and I am half-tuned in to what is on. Yesterday morning I swear I heard that Oprah's topic for Monday will be "Holiday dressing for couples in their twenties." Sometimes I just think this world and it's priorities are simply and undoubtably FUBAR.

I accomplished an unbelievable amount of housework today. Just thought I'd share that because I have nothing else to report because that's all I did today. Tomorrow I plan to get all my summer clothes packed up and transported to the attic.

Well, I've successfully broken two of my own personal blogging rules in one post. One- to never revert to discussing something as boring as the weather and Two- to never revert to discussing something as mundane as housework. I guess I should retitle this post as Boring and Mundane.

It's not too late to redeem myself, er, my post. How's this:

3.2 million Firecrackers

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The Waterboys - The Whole Of The Moon

I found a song this week that is stuck in my head. It's called Fisherman's Blues by the Waterboys. I thought I didn't know them. But nosing around in YouTube, I came across this, one of my favorite songs of all time but oddly enough, I didn't know who did it. Surprise! It's the Waterboys. I love when shit like this happens. It confirms my belief that life is one big old circle and everything is connected. You rilly rilly must hear Fisherman's Blues too, but the versions on YouTube are crap.

POLAR EXPRESSION

I was feeling kind of down tonight. It's a combination of the overwhelmification of the next few weeks which will find me falling all over myself, having procrastinated to the point of no return. Ok, so that sentence made no sense whatsoever. Combination of that and still feeling like crap, which I think I promised not to mention. And the end of the warm temperatures of late which I have been enjoying immensely. Possibility of snow tomorrow. And the realization that my Christmas spending budget is less than half of what it was last year. Don't get me wrong, I'm not all into giving extravagant gifts just for the sake of giving. I'm not shallow like that. What's bugging me is that I like to have "extras" that make the holidays more special. Like a few extra bottles of wine in the cellar for entertaining. Like the more expensive wired ribbon for gift wrapping which is a passion of mine. Like truffles and homemade Chinese walnuts instead of Hershey's kisses and Planter's peanuts. Not that there's anything wrong with Hershey's or Planters. I just like extra-special for the Christmas Holiday. I'll just cut corners a little closer this year, is all.

So, you ask, what did I do? Dig in and cross off ten items on my TO DO List? Hell, no. I sat my ass down and watched about an hour of The Polar Express. And it made me smile and forget aboot that whole first paragraph. I still feel aboot it the way I did last year when I posted after having watched it. Check that out here and I won't have to write it all again. :-)

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