Beware the Ides of March!

Throwback Lyrics of the Day today!

...So take a good look at my face
You'll see my smile looks out of place
If you look closer it's easy to trace
the tracks of my tears...

Smokey Robinson and the Miracles "Tracks of My Tears"

Such a great song! Is it in your head now? Then my work here is done.

I have two makeup recs today. First, Loreal Brow Stylist Plumper. If you have light colored brows, like me, or sparse areas (I have one of those, too), this brow gel will be your best friend. It goes on lightly and if you don't think it's enough, just go over it again, until you have the result you want. Easy! It builds on itself (which really handles the sparse issue well) and stays on all day.

Next is Loreal Voluminous Butterfly mascara. It goes on very well with one coat, but if you want to really knock it out of the park, put on two coats. It's not clumpy at all and the applicator does a great job of separating lashes and distributing the mascara. It's lengthening and thickening. My only complaint about it is you have to be careful while it's drying or it can speckle your eyelid or underneath your eyes. It doesn't take long to dry, so just be aware of it and definitely make it your last eye makeup step.

In other news, I see We-Vibe is paying out $10,000 claims for a privacy breach. Also noted in the article: ...a software flaw could allow a skilled hacker to potentially take control of the vibrator remotely. 

Wouldn't that be an interesting surprise! Well, how would you even know? You don't have a clue what the other person is doing. Would your partner be able to tell? Hmm.

Read more...

Hootie!

Lauren tells me that her friends in their 20's who are married and starting to have babies aren't going to do the Santa/Tooth Fairy/Easter Bunny thing. They don't want to "lie" to their kids. Whaaa...?!  I guess magic is out, too? Ariel and Superman are just cartoons? How sad.

Jeff and I were driving around in the country on Saturday, and happened upon the Andalusia whiskey distillery in Blanco. We barely missed the last tour, but we did a tasting, which was cool. The bar is a nice place to hang out. We also visited the cows out back.

While we were out that afternoon, I was telling Jeff about Culture Map. It's a site with a fabulous event calendar for each of the major Texas cities. The Austin calendar has all the main happenings around Austin, and doesn't include every band playing every tiny venue, which clutters every other Austin event calendar. I really appreciate live music, but I have always wished it would be a separate calendar, so you don't have to scroll through 1000 events to find the Pecan Street Festival.

Me: I don't mind seeing a major act like Hootie and the Blowfish on an Austin calendar, I just don't want to sift through hundreds of coffee shop shows.
Jeff (laughing): Every time you refer to a generic band, it's Hootie and the Blowfish.
Me: It is?
Jeff: Yes! And I don't associate you with them at all. I would expect you to say...
Me: Maroon 5?
Jeff: ...Prince or Adam Ant or something. Anyone but Hootie and the Blowfish.
Me: Well, you gotta love Hootie.

(Prince and Adam Ant?! I thought Hootie and the Blowfish was a throwback!)

Lyrics of the Day

...When I wake to find the solace of 
all that we've become
I can't wait to make the promises
that I've been leery of...

"I Will Wait" Hootie and the Blowfish


Saturday 9: O, Holy Night (1967)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This beloved carol takes its lyrics from a French poem. What else can we thank the French for?

the metric system

2) How well do you know "O, Holy Night?" Without looking up the lyrics, could you sing along with Ella?

Oh heck yeah. It's my favorite Christmas Carol.

3) In order to get this record into stores in time for Christmas 1967, Ella had to record this in late July. So let's reverse that. Now that it's Christmas time, what do you miss most about summer?
traveling light- small purse, no jacket or hat, wearing flip flops

4) Sam is crazy about the open toed pumps she'll be wearing to holiday parties, but that means she needs to get a pedi. Will you be at a salon between now and year-end?

Nope.

5) Will you be consuming any egg nog this holiday season? And if you do, will it be spiked?

I may have some, but I don't like it with alcohol. Ick!

6) Thinking of holiday cuisine, what's your favorite Christmas cookie?
My mom always made thumbprint cookies at Christmas. Hers have frosting instead of jelly. SO good.

Thumbprint Cookies

2 1/4 c Flour - Sifted
1 c Butter
1/2 c Brown Sugar
2 Egg - Separated
1 1/2 ts Vanilla
1 1/2 c Walnuts - Chopped
1 can Vanilla Frosting

Sift flour onto wax paper.

Cream butter with brown sugar until fluffy-light in a medium bowl. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Stir in flour, half at a time, blending well into a stiff dough.

Beat egg whites until foamy in a pie plate. Sprinkle walnuts on wax paper.

Roll dough, 1 tsp at a time, into balls. Roll each in egg white, then walnuts to coat. Place 2" apart on large cookie sheets. Press a hollow into each with fingertip.

Bake at 350 for 12 minutes, until firm and lightly golden. Cool completely. Tint one half of the frosting with red food coloring and the other with green. Fill each cooled cookie with a dollop of red or green frosting.

7) Sam knows she will get a bottle of red wine from her boss, because that's what he gives his staff every year. Is there a gift you can count on receiving?

I don't get the same thing every year from anyone.

8) What one gift would you most like to receive this year? Do you think anyone will get it for you?

I want silicone covers for leftovers, so I don't have to use so much plastic wrap. I'm pretty sure I will get some.

9) This time of year is big for charitable fundraising. Here's your chance to plug a cause or organization that's near and dear to you.
We support Texas A&M University and MD Anderson Cancer Center!

Read more...

Paisley Park is in Your Heart

Prince is the only celebrity death I've shed real tears over. And not just once. I was really moved by the fans transitioning from complete shock to joyous celebration within a day of his death. Everyone is playing his music, dancing and having a good time, which is what we've done for decades, but now we're just doing it all over the world at the same time.

The rainbow over Paisley Park really got me, too. So cool.

We saw Prince live for the first time in 1982 at The Summit, during the 1999 Triple Threat Tour. We saw him again during the Purple Rain Tour in '85.

Last time I saw him was June 9, 2004 in San Antonio, during the Musicology tour. CJ and I went. It was perfection, as it always was. I can't say it enough- the guy put on an unbelievable stage show. He had those superhuman guitar skills and fabulous musicians backing him up as well. A complete sensory festival. It was just such a fun night. 

I cannot wait to hear the vaulted music. Harmonies the public wasn't ready for yet? Oh yes. YES! Let's hear it! And two movies? Bring those on, too.

Lyrics of the Day

...Sometimes I wish that life was never ending

And all good things, they say, never last...

Prince "Sometimes it Snows in April"

Read more...

Monday, Monday

Super Awesome Lyrics du Jour

Why did you let me run

When you knew I'd fall

Through the gaping hole

Where your heart should be...

"Of Crime and Passion" Duran Duran

Oh. Yes. Classic, baby. 

Julie and I saw Brooklyn Sunday. It was really good. It was so beautifully shot as well.

Spoiler-- The only part I didn't get was when Eilis went back to Ireland and got involved with a young man there, just after she and Tony married. Now, had she known him from before or had he saved her from a burning building or some such thing, I might understand that she was "back home" and feeling like maybe her life was there and this man was the person she should have been with, etc. But she and Tony were completely in love and newly married, and I don't think her character would ever have entertained the notion of even hanging out with another guy. I think Eilis would have told her best friend, the very first day she brought him over, that she and Tony had secretly gotten married and that would have been the end of the new guy.

Also, Julie wondered what would have happened if her marriage hadn't been discovered. Would she have stayed? Gosh, I would hope not.

Anyway, it was very good and it's probably on its way out of theaters because it's been out so long. If you get a chance to rent it later, you should!


Ohhhhh A&M Football... What dirt does Spav have on someone that keeps him in that position?  Just wondering.

Very sad to see Kyle Allen go. :(


Saturday 9: Chuck E.'s in Love (1979)
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) In this song, Chuck E.'s friends look for him at the pool hall and the drugstore. If we want to find you on a Saturday afternoon, where should we look?
a retail establishment

2) The lyrics tell us his friends know something up with Chuck E because he's even combed his hair. So here's a question about your hair: do you usually use a blow dryer or let it air dry?
blow dry

3) In this song, Ricki Lee sings that she spotted Chuck E. at the Pantages, a grand old Los Angeles theater. Nearly 100 years old, the Pantages was originally a movie palace and was renovated in the 1980s for concerts and theatrical productions. Tell us about a cool landmark in your town.
The state capitol is amazing- the largest in the country, second in square footage only to the US capitol.

4) "Chuck E." is a real person. Chuck E. Weiss is a blues musician and DJ who hung around with Ricki Lee and her boyfriend ... until he fell in love. Have you ever had a friendship fall by the wayside when one of you entered a romantic relationship?
Never permanently. There was always that time at first where the person in a new relationship is hanging out with their new love all the time. Soon enough, you pick back up with the rest of the world.

5) Rickie Lee was once married to a French musician named Pascal Nabet-Meyer. Say something to us in French.

Parlez-vous Anglais?

6) When her popularity was at its height, Rickie Lee appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone twice. Who have you seen on a recent magazine cover?

Gwen Stefani

7) Rolling Stone called Rickie Lee "the duchess of cool." Who is the coolest person you know?

TracyR

8) 1979 was a good year for Rickie Lee, what with her big hit record and the Rolling Stone covers. But it was a terrible year for The Who, because eleven of their fans died during an Ohio concert. What's your favorite Who song?

"Pinball Wizard"

9) Rickie Lee moved to New Orleans, a city she fell in love with after a visit. Have you ever gone to a vacation spot and wished you could just stay there forever?

Hawaii

Read more...

Feelin' Like a Criminal

Fiona Apple's "Criminal" is one of the best songs ever recorded, with some damn cool lyrics...

I've been a bad, bad girl
I've been careless
With a delicate man
And it's a sad, sad world
When a girl will break a boy
Just because she can...

Ohhhhhhhh help me 
but don't tell me to deny it
I've done wrong 
and I've got to suffer for my sins okay, I got a little carried away there, but yeah.


My favorite item on social media this week:

Ha! SO true. All the sociopolitical arguing on social media is driving me to drink lately.

I was hanging out with our office manager in the reception area yesterday afternoon, watching our office building neighbors bring in loads of beer and liquor. Those guys are always bringing in alcohol.

I wonder if they're hiring.


Saturday 9: Perfect Storm (2014)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This song is about "the thrill of a lifetime" kind of love. Do you believe we each get one great love? Or do you think it's possible to fall in love more than once?
Of course people can fall in love several times. One "great love" is the goal and probably the case for most. People who lose a spouse do seem to be able to find a new love, if they're open to it. So for some, I think there can be more than one great love.

2) Brad Paisley endured his own "perfect storm" in 2010, when he lost his guitars in the massive flood that hit Nashville. Tell us about a time when you had to clean up after Mother Nature. 
The flood from Tropical Storm Claudette in Houston in 1979. It took about a year to get the house back to normal, after drying out the walls, new flooring, furniture, etc.

3) He is married to actress Kimberly Williams, who played Steve Martin's daughter in the Father of the Bride movies. He has admitted he was a little in love with her before he met because he'd seen her on screen. Do you have a crush on anyone right now? 
Bradley Cooper is probably my current celeb crush.

4) He's a passionate Cleveland Browns fan. Are you following the NFL this season?
Nope. But I do happen to be aware that Manziel is the starting QB for the Browns for the remainder of the season.

5) Brad has developed his own line of western wear for Boot Barn, including some pricey items. (A "Perfect Storm" felt hat goes for $230.) What's the most expensive item you've added to your wardrobe recently?
$60 pants. Wooo, baby!

6) "Paisley" is also a term for a popular print. Are you wearing a print or solid right now?
I am wearing solid maroon. GIG EM!

7) Crazy Sam is not a big country fan, but she can sing along with this song because it played so very often at a bar she frequents. What's the last song you sang?
 "Criminal" in the car.

8) Though Brad Paisley has recorded songs about drinking, he never touches alcohol. His favorite beverage is Yoohoo, a chocolate beverage bottled by the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Company. What's the last beverage you drank directly from the bottle?
Sprite Zero on the way to Dallas with Beth and Leslie.

9) Random question from a Sat9er: What's your favorite handmade item?
any kind of art

Read more...

Car Trouble, Oh Yeah

From the song I listened to on repeat much of the way home from Waco last night (where I picked up my car with a spiffy new alternator!)...

Lyrics Dnia

...You don't have to love me
If you don't wanna
Don't act like I mean nothing
But if you're gonna
Then you better
Unkiss me, untouch me, untake this heart...

"Unkiss Me" Maroon 5

Gah. Great song.

So. Our study meeting was fabulous. I had never been to the Grand Hyatt in DFW Airport Terminal D and my expectations were quite honestly "meh." But it's reeeeeeeally nice. You can sit in your comfy bed and operate everything from the nightlight in the bathroom to the shades on the window. Gorgeous bathroom. Oh man. Very impressive!

The bar is also amazing. We had a great time and great food there.

My presentation went very well! We had over 100 people in the ballroom. My speech at the Foundation awards was for closer to 200 folks, but I only only spoke for about three minutes then. This presentation is about 20 minutes. I'll give it again in the UK next month.

All weekend, David and I were explaining that Austin is 3 hours away from Dallas and how it's better to drive than fly, because it takes the same time, but you have your car with you and you don't have to deal with the whole airport hassle. Both of us drove, while everyone else flew up.

Cut to Saturday evening, on my way home, when I thought maybe there may have been an advantage to flying. My windshield wipers were moving very slowly. I've had some battery trouble the past couple of years, so I thought I would stop in Waco and get a new battery.

Then my battery light came on.

Then the electronic stability control light came on.

Then the anti-lock brakes light.

So I pulled over and looked up the Auto Zone address four miles away. Cool.

Back on the freeway, I got up to speed and one by one, every light that can illuminate did.

Finally.... Brakes... Engine.

I made it to the next exit (thank goodness) and barely sputtered into a school bus parking lot. Four miles outside the city. It was getting dark and it was cold and rainy. Blah.

My Hyundai roadside assistance lapsed in 2011. Yay. But they called a tow truck to bring me to the dealer. Then they called back and said the dealer was closed and I couldn't park there, so I would have to store my car somewhere for the weekend.

So I called USAA roadside assistance, which I knew I didn't have, but I thought they might recommend a towing service. Turns out, they too will take care of your towing if you are a customer. You just have to pay for the tow, since you're not covered. The operator was thinking smart and suggested I bring the car to a mechanic that was open Saturday evening, in case they were able to fix it that night.

I got the nicest tow truck driver ever, so I was only ever-so-slightly afraid that he might be an axe murderer. (I don't get into cars with strangers, y'all. I'm not even super-keen on riding in taxis. My only other choice was to sit alone in the pitch black darkness in BFE Texas, in the cold and rain, to wait for my family to pick me up an hour later.)

Turns out my car's issue was the alternator, not the battery, but it explains the battery issues I've had. (If your car loses power and dies while driving, it's usually the alternator. If it won't start, it's usually the battery.) They couldn't repair it Saturday, so Lauren took me to pick it up Monday.

Luckily, my battery was fine, but here's a battery tip for everyone: The mechanic I went to charges $70 to install a new battery. Sears charges like $10. If you go to Walmart or Advance Auto Parts (or probably similar parts shops) and purchase a battery, they will install it FOR FREE. Don't have the car shop charge you. Search for a shop with free battery installation on Google.

Read more...

Shrinkage

There is a simple solution to shrinkage. Not the kind men fear... the kind women fear--

Clothing shrinkage.

The solution is pre-shrunk fabrics. Yeesh. Is that so difficult? Wash and dry (if appropriate) your fabrics before you create a piece of clothing. Then we can follow YOUR care instructions on the garment without wondering if we'll have to toss the darn thing in the trash.

Not to mention the pain and suffering of putting on a pair of slacks that you forgot you had accidentally dried in the dryer the last time they were washed, when they barely zip and you think you've gained ten pounds overnight. I've very carefully drip dried those pants for months, because I knew that despite the care instructions, they would shrink if dried in the dryer.

Gah.

Sexy lyrics on the way home in the car this afternoon. I've always thought these were way cool, but I don't think I've included them here yet. Better late than never:

Lyrics of the Day

...I threw my hands in the air, said, "Show me somethin'"
He said, "If you dare, come a little closer."
...Not really sure how to feel about it
Something in the way you move
Makes me feel like I can't live without you
It takes me all the way...

"Stay" Rihanna (feat. Mikky Ekko)

In entertaining news, Jennifer told us a story about a "slutty girl" she used to know, a friend of her husband's, whose apartment they visited on occasion back in the day. She described the girl's ho-bag apartment with photo collages of her with various guys, etc., and said the worst thing about it was that she kept her "Nasty Snatch" cream on top of her toilet. Everyone started laughing. (I can't even type it without giggling. And gagging a little.)

Me: Wow. I don't think I've heard of that.
Jen: Like itch/irritation cream.... you know...
Kyra: When we go to Vegas, the first dare is going to be that one of us has to ask a store clerk if they carry Nasty Snatch cream.

(Yeah, we talk a lot about this Vegas trip. It HAS to happen.)

Read more...

I've Been High and I've Been Low...

...I've been yes and I've been OH HELL NO
I've been rock 'n roll and disco
Won't you save me San Francisco...

Train "Save Me, San Francisco"

In a few weeks, I'm heading to San Francisco with a few of my coworkers for a bid defense. My first business trip since I returned to work! Super awesome!

In other news... Boyhood (the Linklater movie that's been filming at my neighbor's house and on our street over the past 12 years) is finally in theaters and we cannot get in to see it. It's sold out every day! Crazy. Critics and viewers love it, so that's fantastic. Such a unique idea for a film. I can't wait to see it! Look for it in your area.


Saturday 9: Ring of Fire
If you're not familiar with today's song, you can hear it here.

1) Recorded by Johnny Cash, "Ring of Fire" was written by his wife, June Carter. Johnny's daughter Roseanne says it's about "the transformative power of their love." What's your favorite love song?
"Come What May" from Moulin Rouge. No question. I still love it after years and years of hearing it.



2) Though more than 50 years old, this song is still popular today. Country Music Television named it one of the best and most requested of all time. Are you a country music fan?
Ummm... not really. I like some country, but it's one of my least favorite types of music.

3) This recording features mariachi horns, inspired by Mexican folk music. Have you ever been to Mexico? 
Yep! We went to Cancun for our honeymoon and have been to Cozumel 3 or 4 times. We spent a day in Tijuana with my in-laws during one of our San Diego trips. We've also been to Costa Maya.

4) Cash's birth certificate said, "J. R. Cash," and "J.R." is what his parents always called him. When he enlisted in the Air Force, Uncle Sam refused to let him simply go by initials, so he chose the name "John." If you could choose a different name for yourself, what would it be?
Gretchen :)

5) Cash and his first wife, Vivian, had their first date at a roller skating rink. Tell us about one of your first dates.
My first date with Jeff was a Baylor/A&M basketball game. We had dinner by ourselves and then met another couple (friends of his) at the game.

6) Cash died in September, 2003, four months after he lost his second wife, and love of his life, June. The cause of death given was complications from diabetes, but his children believe he died of a broken heart. Do you think that's possible? 
I think if you've lived a long life and the love of your life dies, you may lose your desire to live on without them. It happens too often to deny!

7) Cash was known as "The Man in Black." What color do you wear most often?
Blue

8) There's a Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville. What's the last museum you visited? 
the LBJ Library

9) A stretch of Tennessee Highway 31E is known as "Johnny Cash Parkway." What street in your town is named for a famous person? 
Willie Nelson Blvd. downtown

Read more...

FInally the Weekend!

Song Lyrics of the Day

...Kiss me beneath the milky twilight
Lead me out on the moonlit floor
Lift your open hand
Strike up the band
Make the fireflies dance
Silver moon's sparkling
So kiss me...

Sixpence None the Richer "Kiss Me"


Saturday 9: Waterfalls
Unfamiliar with this week's song? Hear it here.

1) This song encourages us to "stick to the rivers and lakes you're used to." What body of water is nearest your home -- pond, lake, river, gulf or sea?
Lady Bird Lake, technically a reservoir

2) Have you ever visited a waterfall? If so, please tell us about it.
I've visited Niagara Falls three times- once with Cathy in college and twice with Jeff and Lauren. I just think the falls are awe inspiring. The sheer volume of water is indescribable, something to behold. (I put this post on hold for a moment to look for my video of it just now, but ended up spending three hours organizing my photos and videos. I didn't find that one, but wow- I found a lot of cool stuff! Moving on...)

3) This song is from a CD entitled CrazySexyCool. Which word best describes how you feel today: Crazy, sexy or cool?
None of the above! I'm exhausted. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

4) The girls in TLC originally began hanging around together in an Atlanta-area hair salon. When did you last sit in a stylist's chair?
Maybe 3 months ago. I really need to get in and chop my hair again.

5) While she she spent her adolescence in Atlanta, bandmember Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins was born in Des Moines. Do you live in or near the town where you were born?
only 5,321 miles away

6) One of T-Boz' recent public appearances was on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Do you watch any of the popular Bravo Real Housewives shows?
I love RH of New York ("TAKE. A. XANAX!"), RH of New Jersey ("My husband didn't call me a (C word) to my face!") and RH of Orange County ("You are psychotic, Jesus Jugs.")

7) In the 1990s, band member Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes was romantically involved with an Atlanta Falcons football player. They shared his upscale, two-story mansion. How would you describe your abode (house, cottage, apartment, condo, studio, etc.)?
house

8) Ms. Lopes was accused of arson when, after the couple argued, that mansion happened to burn down. When was the last time you lost your temper? How did you express your anger? (If it was with a criminal act, you may wish to keep it to yourself.)
The most pissed off I've been recently was at work a couple of weeks ago, arguing with someone who is disrespectful to our clients on a daily basis. I literally took a deep breath and reminded her, loudly, but not yelling, that unless the client wants us to do something illegal or there is something we want to suggest as a more desirable alternative to the process in place, the client gets what they want. As soon as it became obvious that the argument was escalating, I removed myself from the situation. There are very few things I feel are worth a serious down-and-out. Work issues are definitely not.

9) Today the third member of TLC, Chilli, designs personalized handbags. They cost about $225 each. What's the most expensive thing you have bought recently?
A sectional sofa a couple of weeks ago. Yay! It's way cool!

Read more...

Three Months and I'm Still Sober

Every time I hear "Sober" by Kelly Clarkson, it gets me teary. Just that first strumming of the guitar starts it. I'm not even sure why. It's been a dang long time since I endured a breakup. I guess it's just a really emotional song and Kelly hits every word and note perfectly.

...I don't know, I could crash and burn, but maybe 
at the end of this road I might catch a glimpse of me...

I love that she tells the little story about her inspiration for writing the song in this particular video:



The Sing Off combined two of my favorite things last night- movies and music. And we got to see the best performance so far this season!

For those who don't watch, The Filharmonic are young Filipino guys who are basically a boy band without instruments. Great dancers, very cool. Home Free are mostly country and they cannot dance or do choreography to save their lives. So the two groups had a little fun with each other in the Ultimate Sing Off Battle (they both made it through... long story... six groups participated altogether...):



Rob doing the gopher dance- Ahahahaha!!

Read more...

Two Reflections Into One

...I don't wanna lose you now
I'm lookin' right at the other half of me
The vacancy that sat in my heart
Is a space that now you hold
Show me how to fight for now
And I'll tell you, baby, it was easy
Comin' back into you once I figured it out
You were right here all along.

F'in Timberlake - "Mirrors"

That is all.  :)

Read more...

So I Picked Her Up...

At a vendor dinner last night, the vendor's project manager was talking about how Dobermans are naturally sweet dogs. He has two, and said if they exhibit any sort of dominant behavior as puppies, you turn them over on their backs in a submissive position, and that keeps them from developing any sort of power issues.

Then their BD guy, who has a Rottweiler, said you have to really establish dominance over Rottweilers when they're young, so they won't be vicious as adults. He explained that when his was a puppy (illustrative gesture "this big," about the size of a soccer ball), she ate something off of a plate on the dinner table. He scolded her and she growled.

"...so I picked her up and SLAMMED her on the table." (illustrative gesture "SMASH!")

*...crickets...*

"Yep. She never did that again."

Yikes. I suppose not.

Most awkward moment ever.


Song Lyrics of the Day

If I.... fall... for you..... I'll never recover...

"Love Somebody" Maroon Five

Read more...

F-F-F-Friiiiiiday

The DJs were talking this morning about a new facility at DFW airport that rents you a small (doctor's office size) room with a bed, HDTV and computer with internet for $34 per hour. A 30 minute shower (with shower gel, shampoo, hair dryer- the works) is $25 à la carte or only $15 with a suite rental. The suites are for "relaxing" or "napping" or "getting some work done."

Uh... Clearly this is where you get it on with your significant other... or the person with whom you just had too many drinks at the airport bar.

Just saying.

No worries, actual nappers! There's a sound-masking system in every suite.


Lyrics of the Day

...I wanna wake up where you are...

"Slide" Goo Goo Dolls

Most of you will skip over the lyric, but if you read it again, you might find that it's one of those single-line, punch you in the heart, well-written lyrics that packs a lot into a few words.

Off to the Grove. Happy weekend, y'all!!

Read more...

Video Clips...

Forgot to say one highlight of our evening was goat cheese beignets at Cru. Miniature beignets filled with goat cheese and drizzled with honey and a sprinkle of black pepper. Oh man.

Anyhoo!...

Well, no one has "Back 2 Good" from uploaded from last night yet, but here's another good one---
"So Sad, So Lonely" at 3:05...



...Dance all night 
With your ass on fire 
And your hands up high 
And feel me one more time...

Read more...

Music Tuesday

Kathleen Edwards' version of "It Must Have Been Love" is SO fabulous. Love Roxette of course, but man, that is a great cover. It's on iTunes.

Lyrics of the Day

...My heart is breaking for my sister and the con that she called "love"
And when I look into my nephew's eyes...
Man, you wouldn't believe the most amazing things that can come from...
Some terrible nights...

Fun. "Some Nights"

"...some terrible nights" is evidently a confirmed lyric via the band's Twitter, but I still think "...some terrible lies" is better. JT or one of the other NSYNC boys once said back in the day, that they didn't want to publish the lyrics of their songs, because you should sing whatever lyrics you hear that make sense to you. Sometimes 'tis true. (And so originated the great "didn't have G's/didn't have cheese" debate of 2001.)

So, I'm going with "terrible lies."

And a bonus lyrics of the day, because it's on the radio at the moment:

...You think I'm just too serious,
I think you're full of sh*t...

Pink "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)"

Not particularly stirring on paper (or um, screen), but very powerful words to sing really loud, while thinking of someone you think is full of it.

:)

Read more...

A Musical Wednesday

I'm very flattered to find out that my hubby has my blog on his Google Reader, and reads it the minute it's updated. 'Cuz he said, about two minutes after I posted the other day, "Ohmigod. Your blog has a TYPO!" Thus, I found out that the RSS feeds don't update (at least right away) when I correct a typographical error. *sigh* I guess I have to proofread a little closer before posting. Or just let Jeff proofread it. :p


Lyrics o' the Day
I heard them this a.m. and they're STILL in my head. Because... yes.

...Try to tell you no, but my body keeps on telling you yes
Try to tell you stop, but your lipstick got me so out of breath
I'd be waking up in the morning probably hating myself
And I'd be waking up, feeling satisfied but guilty as hell
Baby, there you go again, there you go again- making me love you
Yeah I stopped using my head, using my head, let it all go...

Adam Lev... uhh... Maroon 5 "One More Night"


Music Memoirs Top 5 on Friday

Top 5 "Icy" songs

1. Alanis Morrisette "You Oughta Know"
Every time I scratch my nails down someone else's back, I hope you feel it.

2. Gavin DeGraw "Radiation"
If you miss me, don't. If I never wanna see you again, I won't. If you get an invitation, I'm probably drunk.

3. Maroon 5 "Harder to Breathe"
You drain me dry and make me wonder why I'm even here. This double vision I was seeing is finally clear. You want to stay, but you know very well I want you gone. Not fit to f**king tread the ground that I'm walking on.

4. Paramore "Misery Business"
I never meant to brag, but I got him where I want him now. It was never my intention to brag, to steal it all away from you now, but God does it feel so good, 'cause I got him where I want him now. And if you could, then you know you would, 'cause God it just feels so... It just feels so good.

5. Kelly Clarkson "Why U Wanna Bring Me Down"
Is it too much to give a damn, when I'm giving you one hundred and ten? Don't blink cause I won't be around. Why you wanna bring me down?

Read more...

Song Lyrics of the Day

...If I lay here
If I just lay here
Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

Snow Patrol "Chasing Cars"

Read more...

Les Mis... de Nouveau

Les Mis again? Why yes please!

MelissaC and I saw Les Misérables at the Drafthouse yesterday. I cried more the second time than the first, if that is possible. Mostly because of Russell Crowe's singing. But really, crying in a theater where you can hear a pin drop during the quiet parts, because patrons don't speak at all (thank you Alamo!), is hard to do without embarrassing yourself.


Song Lyrics of the Day

...The rain that brings you here
is Heaven-blessed
The skies begin to clear
and I'm at rest
a breath away from where you are...

"A Little Fall of Rain" Les Misérables


Sunday Stealing: The Meme From Suburbia

1. What were you doing 10 years ago?
Lauren was in 3rd grade. I volunteered at school and at the Foundation, but most of my work time was spent co-running the fansite.

Here's a random entry from my LiveJournal in January 2003--

I just got an email from someone named Willie Johnson. The guy asks me, "Can you send me some pics of Justin Timberlake?" He signs with a link of some sort.

While I'm making nasty comments about this weird email, Jeff says, "You didn't click on the link did you?" Duh, no.

He tells me, "Never click on a link sent to you by a guy with two penis names."

Words to live by, folks.

2. By this time next year, I ...
will have an updated kitchen.

3. Do you think the United States will elect a female President in your lifetime? Do you think this would be a good thing?
Yes and yes.

4. Which fictional, TV show character you would shag anytime?
Denny from Grey's Anatomy. He. Was. Awesome.

5. Who is your greatest enemy?
The only person with whom I have any serious issue is a former good friend who took credit for work I did several years ago, so she could further her own aspirations. Karma eventually stepped in, and it ended up being a disaster for her. I try not to take any joy from that.

6. Tell me about your most recent trip of more than 100 miles?
Went to Dallas for Christmas with the fam.

7. Which do you use more often, the dictionary or the thesaurus?
Thesaurus. It's more common that I cannot think of the word that means [this or that] and starts with a [insert letter here], than not knowing what a specific word means. Thesauri are perfect for figuring out those words.

8. Do you have a nickname? What is it?
Kathy

9. What are you dreading at the moment?
Figuring out the best way to significantly reduce my volunteer hours, now that I'm working.

10. Do you worry that others will judge you from reading some of your answers?
Not really. My friends know me and are rarely surprised by any of my answers. If anyone wants to judge me, that's their prerogative.

11. If you find an outfit you love, but the size on the label is larger than you want, do you buy the outfit? Why or why not?
I didn't used to, but I do now. I've tried on enough clothes to know how differently every brand, and even various items from the same brand, fit. I buy what looks good on me, whether it's my normal size, or bigger or smaller.

12. Even the biggest slackers are anal-retentive about something. What are you anal-retentive about?
Keeping the sharp kitchen tools on the right and back edges of the kitchen tool drawer, in positions that aren't likely to injure anyone.

13. Out of all the books you read as a child, which one had the biggest influence on how you are today?
Wow. I have no idea, but my favorite book was The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams.

14. Which Golden Girl would you want to spend a night on the town with?
Blanche, of course

15. What is the one product you would never buy in its generic form even if the generic is half the price?
Generic canned green beans- always a bad choice.

16. How old were you when you stopped believing in Santa?
8. At lunch one day, JerryO told me there wasn't a Santa. I argued with him about it. I about started a war between the believers and the non-believers in the school cafeteria.

17. What is the one smell that turns your stomach without fail?
fake banana

18. If someone holds out a carton of milk to you and asks you to sniff it to see if its spoiled, do you?
nope

19. You have a completely free day and $2000. What are you doing?
Shopping for work clothes!

20. What is the most used item in your home?
iced tea maker

Read more...

"I Take it Black, Like My Men"

Oh, Airplane. You're still hilarious after all these years.

I always stay away from shopping on Black Friday, and I will keep that tradition alive today. If you are shopping today, good luck and Godspeed.

Thanksgiving... The Texans won. The Cowboys lost. That always makes it a great day! ;) Mom would have been thrilled.

My Thanksgiving feast was yummy, even though the oven got turned off during the turkey heating process and delayed lunch by an hour. The turkey was smoked, so we could just have had it cold. But it was definitely better hot. And I managed to keep all my sides appropriately warm without getting overdone. Yay!


Friday Five: Black

1. What’s your favorite black article of clothing?
a casual pair of black capri pants with lots of pockets. Great for football games!

2. What’s the best black food?
black beans

3. How did you pass the time during your most recent extended blackout (power outage)?
We don't have many extended power outages here. A few years ago, our power was out for a couple of hours. I did some yard work.

4. When did you last play blackjack?
on our cruise in April

5. What are some songs in your iTunes (or other media player) whose titles contain the word black?
"Welcome to the Black Parade"- My Chemical Romance
"Black Roses Red"- Alana Grace
"Black Jesus"- Lady Gaga
"Black Bird"- Across the Universe soundtrack
"Black Cat"- Janet Jackson


Song Lyrics of the Day

...You turned your back on tomorrow
'Cause you forgot yesterday.
I gave you my love to borrow,
But you just gave it away.
You can't expect me to be fine,
I don't expect you to care
I know I've said it before,
But all of our bridges burned down...

"Payphone" Maroon 5
(because everyone needs a little Adam Levine on a Friday morning) 

you turned your back on tomorrow ‘cause you forgot yesterday I gave you my love to borrow, but you just gave it away You can’t expect me to be fine, I don’t expect you to care

Read more: MAROON 5 - PAYPHONE LYRICS

you turned your back on tomorrow ‘cause you forgot yesterday I gave you my love to borrow, but you just gave it away You can’t expect me to be fine, I don’t expect you to care

Read more: MAROON 5 - PAYPHONE LYRICS

Read more...

Results of the Debate- Debatable

I didn't watch the debate last night, but it looks like the candidates were dead even in the end. My liberal friends thought Obama won. My conservative friends thought Romney won.

I had to Google "binders of women," after many amusing, but obscure references to that on my FB news feed when I finally checked in late last night. Romney's whole thing about having to allow flex time "if we're going to have women in the workplace" was offensive and archaic. Sarah Silverman summed it up perfectly on Twitter: "Mitt Romney is one of the most progressive thinkers of 1950."

As for Obama, I always shake my head when supporters (like me) of work programs and/or fast track to citizenship for illegal immigrants currently working in the US think Obama is on their side, when he is actually deporting them at a rate 1.5 times that of W. The only difference between him and the Republicans is that he favors Federal control over the borders, while the Reps favor state control.


Song Lyrics of the Day

...How do you feel? That is the question
But I forget you don't expect an easy answer
When something like a soul becomes initialized
And folded up like paper dolls and little notes
You can't expect a bit of hope
So while you're outside looking in
Describing what you see
Remember what you're staring at is me...

"Through Glass" Stone Sour

Read more...