Mimi sez:
“Sometimes life hands you pomegranates. You get wiser. Sometimes life hands you that icky lemonade. You get stickier. Sometimes life hands you a boatload of people who either enhance your journey in lovely ways or rock the boat off course just for the hell of it. You get an oar and row in your own direction. It happens to all of us. Either way, there’s gratitude to be found if you’re willing to look. Sometimes the conflicts are indeed blessings in disguise – you just don’t know it yet. Sometimes the storm IS the thing you will one day bless while you wait for calmer seas.
Maybe not today, but someday. // So find some patience and hang on. // We all have something to be grateful for one way or another.”
1. What are you most grateful for when you first wake up in the morning?
I am thankful that I will never need an alarm clock so long as my two kitty cats are around. They take care to wake me up early enough so that I have time to lie there and pretend I don’t have to go to work that day.
2. What are you most grateful for when you go to bed at night?
I am thankful for the lessons of the day, trusting that I got whatever was put in front of me and knowing that if I didn’t and it was important, I’ll see that lesson again soon.
3. Who is the person who has had the most influence on your life?
I think I’d have to say my dad. My relationship with him seemed to influence my taste in men later on in life (funny, intelligent and snarky) but I think his biggest influence on me was his liberal perspective. I’d go so far as to call my dad a huge “bleeding heart” liberal. He’d get into such heated discussions with my uncle (were he alive today, said uncle would undoubtedly be heading up a teaparty/klan rally somewhere) that we were sure it would come to blows. Uncle used to tell my dad if he didn’t stop talking, he’d throw him (and his wheelchair) down the basement steps. (I think he was just kidding but who knows, right?)
4. Is there someone you’d like to thank for something special they did for you but haven’t yet? Take the time to do it in this meme.
I want to thank the Pirate Doggie of Love because I know she came here for a reason (other than to chomp on Max’s head) and while I don’t know what it is at the moment, I just know that it was purposeful. I send her lots of love and hugs through the ether.
5. Who was your favorite or least favorite teacher? If you could talk to them now, what would you say?
I took advanced placement English in college but diddled around and got a D in it. (Can you imagine? ME?) I was relegated to the remedial English comp class and the teacher was this little dynamo who was very skilled in helping students learn the basics of composition. I can’t even remember her name but I do remember that much of my writing abilities can be attributed to this nice woman. And so, I say THANK YOU. This blog wouldn’t be the same high quality it is today (HA!) were it not for her.
6. Do you say grace at mealtime?
I never really have. Same as with going to church, I always felt that I could talk to God/Universe/Spirit whenever I wanted and didn’t need a specified time. But I agree that it’s probably a nice ritualistic thing to do.
7. Name one thing you take for granted everyday.
That my car starts and I get to work close to the time I am supposed to be there!
8. Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that something you thought was a bad thing was actually a blessing in disguise?
Like many who answer this question, I can say yes. Relationships and jobs are where this shows up most for me. This song by Garth Brooks fits.
Unanswered Prayers / Garth Brooks
Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you’re talkin’ to the man upstairs
That just because he doesn’t answer doesn’t mean he don’t care
Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers
9. What are the top five things you are most grateful for in your life?
1. My health which is quite good, all considered. (More on this shall be discussed in another post. Visit with the dentist today indicates I did not win big in the healthy teeth lottery.)
2. My life: I have a nice home, loving family, friends and pets, money in the bank and the freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want to do it. (Or not!)
3. The skills I have as an empath and intuitive – wouldn’t be who I am today without them.
4. David Cook (what? Shut up. I love him.) I’ve met some great people in Cooklandia and had lots of fun. Along with LOLcats, DC is my happy place.
5. My new laptop – fast, shiny and cool. Now if only I could figure out how to keep my fingers on the keyboard so my thumb doesn’t hit the mousepad and inadvertantly wipe out everything I’ve just written. That is quite a tragedy when you’re writing a damn long post, kids. Lemme tell ya!
** Here’s a shoutout to my buddy Charlie Jubb with whom I have been reunited (thanks to Facebook!). He told me my blog was “well written and interesting” – clearly
he’s hallucinating but I will take the compliment just the same. We were bestest buddies in college and beyond and I was so happy to see him appear on Facebook.
(Waves to CJ!)
Sunday Stealing: The 35 Questions X 2 Meme: Part One
1. How far away is the last person you kissed?
Uh, upstairs sleeping. Not very far away. I need to get some far-away peeps to kiss on, methinks.
2. Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever?
No. Well, unless you count my cats and to them forever is a limited concept.
3. Last person you were in a car with?
The cats. No, wait. Duty. Yeah, pretty sure it was Duty. Lucie’s not driving much these days.
4. Any plans for tomorrow?
Work and gym. Pretty much the same as most days. I wish I had something more fun planned.
5. How long does it take for you to take a shower?
About 5 minutes, give or take. Why? Wanna join me?
6. Best friend or close friends?
Probably close friends but it would be nice to have ONE best friend that I talked to all the time who knew all my stuff.
7. Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
Every day that I am breathing, have a roof over my head, money in the bank and my health are good days.
8. Did you kiss anyone friday?
What’s the issue with who I’m kissing? Are you trying to stump me with this question? I kissed David Cook. There! Prove me wrong, whydontcha?
9. Ever thrown up in public?
As a kid in grade school, I did. As an adult, no. Never. I do those things in private. (Well, I’ve barfed in the bathroom at work – no one else was there. Does that count?)
10. What’s on your mind RIGHT NOW?
Wishing I could go back to bed.
11. Who was the last person you talked to?
Listen, you might want to show me your Police Department badge before I start answering all these NYPD Blue questions. Yeesh. Nosey, aren’t we?
12. What is the WORST subject they teach at school?
For me it was math. I have no idea now what it could be. I’d love to see them incorporate classes on how to budge your money, in-depth analysis of how the government works, and “how to get along with others” classes rather than some boring old English literature class that has no relevance to your life, ever.
13. Have you seen anyone lately that you don’t get along with?
In person? No, not so much. I get along with most people.
14. What is your favourite colour top to wear?
Blue … most of my wardrobe is (not on purpose) blue.
15. Have you ever been in a car accident?
Yep, a couple times – none of them my fault.
16. What’s the closest thing to you that’s green?
My couch – it’s a lovely shade of seafoam green.
17. Where would you like to be right now?
At a spa with lovely food and massages.
18. Write down some lyrics to the song you’re listening to
“If you wait for me, I’ll be the light in the dark if you lose your way / and if you wait for me, I’ll be your voice when you don’t know what to say / I’ll be your shelter, I’ll be your faith / I’ll be the last train home.” – Ryan Star (Beautiful song … he opened for Cookie and I saw him a couple times on tour.)
19. How many dogs do you have?
Just one … Max. The best dog ever.
20. Is anything bugging you right now?
Wondering how long it’s gonna be before some real violence breaks out from the Teabaggers who keep getting their fear stirred up by those with an agenda. It’s coming and I just pray that no one loses their life to it.
21. Is life going right for you now?
I suppose. Could be worse, could be better. All told, it’s okay.
22. Is there someone you care about more than yourself?
That’s an odd question. I care deeply about many people and I would do what I could to alleviate any suffering they might experience.
23. What made you laugh today?
The irony of people (teabaggers, especially) having concerns that NOW their freedom and rights are being usurped by the government. Where the hell where they for the eight years of the Bush administration? Such sheeple.
24. What was the last movie you watched?
I re-watched “Love Actually” last night and cried in all the sappiest parts especially the one where the guy comes to the door and holds up the signs. That always gets me.
25. Whats the last conversation you had about?
Today, the cats and I were discussing distribution of milk between the two of them.
26. What were you doing at 7:00 this morning?
Trying not to get out of bed despite the protestations of Lucie and Sophie.
27. Do you like your hair long or short?
My hair looks better shorter. It grows outward not downward.
28. Do you want to see somebody right now?
I’d like to see email from someone now but that’s about it.
29. Do you like the rain?
Love it. Can die happy in the rain. (Water = emotion so for me, it’s like being home.)
30. Did you have a valentine this year?
I have many loved ones at Valentine’s Day.
31. The last person you kissed needs you at 3 am, would you go?
If someone needed me at 3am, I’d go regardless of whether I’ve kissed them or not. Hell, if my neighbor needed me (the ones we don’t even talk to), I’d go.
32. Would you honestly say you’d risk your life for someone else?
Yes. I can honestly say that.
33. Honestly, if you could go back 1 month and change something would you?
Yes. Is this the part where I tell you what it is?
34. How do you feel about boys smoking?
Same as I do about girls smoking – EWWW! It’s gross, habit-forming and unhealthy not to mention stinky.
35. Could you see yourself with someone forever?
Oh hai David Cook! I’d spend forever with you. I can so see that.
In the “Better late than never” category, I present: Songs in the key of (my) life.
It’s a simple NAME THAT TUNE meme with a Mimi twist.
The Rules : Once you have been tagged (or commanded by the Queen) you are supposed to write down the top 25 SEVEN songs you cannot live without. The ones you can listen to over and over and never get tired of. They don’t have to be in any particular order. These are the songs that make you laugh, cry, think of an old friend, whatever the reason. I know it’s impossible for many of us to narrow it down to seven. There are just too many songs. Instead, make a list of seven songs that move you personally and tell us why. What memory does the song evoke? What emotion? Where were you when you first heard it? We’d like to know what’s in your musical memory bank. Name seven songs and tell us about your emotional connection to the song.
Fair enough?
Let’s get started!
1. Heart of Gold / Neil Young
My dad used to call me his “heart of gold” and whenever this song came on, he’d always say “that’s my girl”. The last Christmas he was alive (1974), he gave me a lovely gold heart with the inscription “my heart of gold” on the back. I still have it and love it and every single time I hear that song, I think of him and smile.
2. Babylon / David Grey
This song speaks to me big time with these lyrics: “Let go of your heart, let go of your head and feeel it now ….” –> that’s me in a nutshell kiddies. Love this song with a passion. Will never, ever not love it.
3. Sweet thing – Chaka Khan and Rufus
Happened to hear this song today and realized how much I love it. It’s got soul, it’s got longing, it’s got the sexay … “ohhh sweet thang, oh you know you’re my everything ….” The version I saw today was Prince and Chaka singing (well, he accompanied her mostly on guitar but also on voice a bit) and it was such a fabulous performance. (This song is my sensual side that stays on the downlow. If I could put voice to it, this would be it. Keep that a secret, k?)
4. Float On – Modest Mouse
Lauren’s theme song for the last months of her life. She had an amazing spirit and this quirky little song helped her keep moving forward when it was difficult. Always this one for my sweetie.
5. Time after Time – Cyndi Lauper
This one reminds me of my mom – back in the MTV heyday, I would force my poor mother to watch hours and hours of videos with me (don’t ask why – I have no idea other than I was a goof even then.) The woman who played Cyndi Lauper’s mother in the video looked like my mom a bit so I sort of associated the two somehow. This sort of became my song with my mom - “if you fall I will catch you, I’ll be waiting … time after time.” That was how it was with my mom. She caught me when I stumbled. That’s what moms do. (Love this song – played it for her at my wedding.)
6. “Wish you were here” – Incubus
Love this song for several reasons – one of them being the imagery of this line: “the ocean looks like a thousand diamonds strewn across a blue blanket” - I just love that. Also too – it has major sentimental meaning to me.
7. Knocks me off my feet – Stevie Wonder (speaking of Songs in the key of life)
My nearly perfect high school boyfriend played piano beautifully and learned this song just so he could impress me with it. More than that, though, at his senior prom, I recall us dancing to it and he sang the chorus to me: “Oh but I love you, I love you, I love you … more and more” – Can you imagine a 17 year old singing that truly from his heart? It was a sweet, sweet moment – one I remember 33 years later.
1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?
I fasted for twelve days in January and it was amazingly easy. Which just goes to show that when I set my mind to achieving something, I can do it. It’s the mind-setting that is the hard part for me. I tried it again in February and really half-assed it and blew it seven days in.
2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I’m not sure I made any other than the fasting and I did keep that one. I always make one or two of them so I’ll come up with something, I’m sure.
3. How will you be spending New Year’s Eve?
Goofing around online, most likely. I don’t have any plans because I like to stay alive and drunken asshats make that hard.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
My oldest aunt passed away in June. My other two aunts and I flew to Indiana for her funeral and it was a lovely remembrance of her life.
5. What countries did you visit?
Is Colorado a country? (hah Is it?) Didn’t go out of the US this year but did go to Oklahoma, Indiana and Colorado.
6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
Discipline, David Cook singing to me and only me (preferably naked (him, not me)), some Christmas spirit, 40 hours a week and the paycheck that goes along with it and a thriving woo-woo practice.
7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
April 3, 2009 - my first DC concert where I was smooshed up against the stage, so close that had I brought out my inner perve, I could have had a field day touching him. I sang so hard and so loud that I had no voice for three days after but damn, it was worth it. One of the best days of my life.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
As mentioned, my 12 day fast. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that good in my body. Strong, clear … just awesome. I also walked a 5k in May with a bunch of other DC fans. That was something I hadn’t planned on but was glad I did.
9. What was your biggest failure?
When I fell off my wagon (fasting) and realized it was more fun to just binge eat, I totally went for it and gained back all the weight I lost plus. I finish the year feeling like Pudge McGee and am really, heartbreakingly unhappy about it all.
That, and I didn’t bring out my inner perve and cop a feel off DC. (It was the closest I’d get to him all year and if I had known that, I might have.)
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Fortunately, despite my snarfing, I have a very healthy immune system. My body is in good shape besides there being too much of it.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
New bras that showed off my awesome ta-ta’s to their best advantage. It was great.
12. Where did most of your money go?
For a while there, on new bras! hah (Damn, good ones are expensive!) Then it went to paying bills.
13. What song will always remind you of 2009?
It’s not one you’d know – it’s “Make Me” by MWK (a band Dave played with a bit before Idol.) MWK co-founders Neal & Andy are in his band now and they bust this song out every once in a while. I think it’s the most played song on my Itunes list. Love the line “Make me fall for you // as if I had nothing else to do” – (I secretly think Neal is a poser but he does write some kick ass lyrics.)
14. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I’m so sorry but I cannot divulge this as it’s classified information. Your life would be in danger and I would hate to put you in that position. Definitely shared on a need-to-know basis and only one person would need to know that and that person is well aware of it. (At least I think they are!)
15. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Cryptic answers like the one above. Well, YOU wish I’d done less of it, right? LOL
For reals, I wish I had not run amok with food.
16. What was your favourite TV program?
This year I was totally into “Mad Men” and “Dexter” along with staples like “Intervention”. Cousin O’Cool has recommended “True Blood” and I’m starting that series as soon as Netflix gets its ass in gear. She said Season 2 was pretty close to porn and I’m all about the porn (vampire or not).
17. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I really don’t hate anyone. There are a few I prefer not to spend time with but I don’t hate anyone. (Dick Cheney, if I had to name names but I’ve “hated” him all along so that’s nothing new. Man is pure evil, in my opinion.)
18. What was the best book you read?
I did tear through the “Twilight” saga this year and while I can’t say they were well written, they were decent enough to pull me though four books the size of bricks. I enjoyed the ride. Just don’t name your damn baby Renesmee.
19. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Awww, you know the answer to that one! I also took a liking to Matt Nathanson after seeing him open for Cookie. He was awesome in concert. Funny and sexy and just cool.
20. What was your favorite film of this year?
I don’t see many movies in the theatre so it’s hard to say. I enjoyed “Julie and Julia” and am looking forward to seeing “Up in the air” (despite my strong aversion to anything with smarmy George Clooney in it) and “Blindsided”. Oh wait, I watched “The Proposal” and really, really enjoyed it.
21. What did you do on your birthday?
Some fam and I went to Buca diBeppo’s in Washington right before my birthday and that was a nice celebration.
22. What kept you sane?
Visits to Cooklandia, the internets, and most especially, Cousin O’Cool who, despite being 18 years younger than me, is like the big sister I never had. She’s awesome – funny, smart, really snarky and very grounded. I love her lots.
23. Who did you miss?
Always miss my Lauren. Not one day … seriously, not. one. day. goes by when I don’t think of her. I also missed my mom and grandma.
24. Who was the best new person you met?
My friend Areti whom I met at the Pathways Expo in October. I hope we get to be good buddies in 2010.
25. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:
To really, truly effect change, I have to shift stuff in the physical world – it’s not enough to just think about it or ponder it. I have to actually take steps to move into it.
Oh, and touch David Cook while you can because you might not get another chance. heh
1. What did you think of 2009?
I had a good year on both personal and professional fronts. I learned A LOT. Big time growth on so many levels that I am astounded when I look back. Things continue to ebb and flow but all told, 2009 was a year of major growth.
I can also see a great deal of growth (not without enormous struggle, alas) in our country and as a collective. Birthing a new consciousness is hard and that’s reflected everywhere. We’ll get there, inch by inch. (Just wish it weren’t so hard on so many.)
2. What do you think was the news story of the year?
Hmm, I’d echo The Gal’s sentiment about Barack Obama’s Inauguration being a wonderful time of joy, hope and enormous potential.
3. What happened this year that you never want to hear another word about?
I will again echo The Gal – her answer? Tiger Woods! Jeez oh pete, people. Enough already. It ain’t none of our business.
4. What was your favorite song of 2009?
I’m gonna go with “Lie” by my sekrit boyfriend. He’s worked on this one all throughout the tour and by the time it came to a close (November), he had really gotten it to a beautiful place. Watch it yourself:
So lie to me and tell me that it’s gonna be alright // So lie to me and tell me that we’ll make it through the night // I don’t mind if you wait before you tear me apart // Look me in the eye and lie, lie, lie ….
5. What did you accomplish this year?
Oh goodness! I rocked it hard this year! LOL Probably most unlikely accomplishments would be my 12 day fast in January and walking the 5K with Team David Cook on a very, very rainy Sunday morning in May.
6. Did you learn anything new this year?
Tons and tons of stuff! I probably should write a post about that just for posterity. One of the best things I learned? How to bring stuff down out of my head and into real physical form.
7. What are you looking forward to in the new year?
More growing and learning, working on taking care of my body and stepping out of my comfort zone.
8. What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?
Nothing exciting so far. Never is but that’s okay by me.
9. What’s the best thing you ever did on a New Year’s Eve?
Made the decision to ditch my bad boyfriend but not before I had wild sex with him one last time. What a shame he was so good in bed and so crappy every other place. I ran into him online many many years later when he didn’t know it was me and the urge to mess with his head almost overtook my good sense. Good thing I’m all love and light, right? (I think I totally got off track on the question, didn’t I? Oh well.)
I wasn’t overly enticed by the SS that was on tap for today so I went back through the archives and found one I liked.
One of the reasons memes exist (as I understand it) is to find some new blog friends and to share a bit more about yourself on your own blog. I’m going to let you in on a peeve (which you probably already know about me). Ready? A one word answer to a question tells me almost nothing about you. For example, if the question is “Do you sleep in the nude?” and you say “No” that bothers me. I want to know why you don’t. Like, are you afraid that if there’s a fire in the middle of the night you’ll be caught running outside with nothing on in a frenzy (totally understandable reason, btw) or maybe your cat likes to lick your armpits and you have to cover them or else be licked in your sleep. (Incidentally, I wouldn’t mind having that occur but preferably by someone else besides my cat!) When I read memes, I look for the reasons why you are who you are. And perhaps that’s just my Psych major leaning. Perhaps others are just perfectly fine reading one word answers. However, if I ever do start answering these dumb questions with one word, know that my blog has been hijacked by someone much less concerned with those things (i.e.: most other people).
Herewith, I present my own personal stealage with more than one word answers (because I am picky like that):
What are your nicknames?
Believe it or not, “Dolt” is one of them. :-) It originated with a guy I liked back in the 90s (nicknamed “Hollinger” after the boyfriend of Ann Marie in “That Girl” so you can guess what his first name was) as a term of affection between us and I’ve used it that way since then. If *I* call you dolt, I really, really like you. If anyone else does, assume not the same.
What TV gameshow or reality show would you like to be on?
I have absolutely no compunction to be on television in any way, shape or form. But, if I had to choose, I’d be on “What Not to Wear” and hope that Stacey and Clinton won’t make me throw out my three David Cook t-shirts. I really, really need help clothing-wise.
What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD?
No idea – it was that long ago. However, I did see “Risky Business” about ten thousand times so I bet that was in the top three. To say I adored that movie is truly an understatement.
What is your favorite scent?
The only perfume I have worn on a regular basis is “Opium” – and usually the body lotion since it was softer. I prefer warm, spicy scents. Or, cookies. Also, fresh baked bread. So, what’s for breakfast???
If you had one million dollars to spend only on yourself, what would you spend it on?
I would ask to be placed in an assisted coma and put on an IV drip of sustenance. Wake me up in a month or so when I’ve lost all the weight I’ve managed to accumulate (plus bonus poundage!) and I shall re-enter society as a glamorous chick. Yes, that’s how I’d spend my money. How sad is that?
What is one place you’ve visited, can’t forget and want to go back to?
Italy. Hands down. Great food, friendly people, lots of stuff to see and do. I can’t wait to go back.
Do you trust easily?
Yes, unless a) you show me a reason not to and/or b) I get a wonky vibe about you right off. Then, no. There are people I would not trust for any reason whatsoever. Period. They could turn their life around and work every day to gain my trust (and, seriously, WTF?) and I would not trust them. Such is the case when you live by your intuition.
Do you generally think before you act, or act before you think?
In matters of a mental nature, I am definitely a thinker before act-er. Intutively, though, if I get the “nudge” to act, I don’t think it through or question it. I just do it. It’s better that way. My little monkey mind, especially when bored, can take any situation apart and look at it one hundred ways and then a hundred more and soon I am in a padded room singing songs about Elmo.
Is there anything that has made you unhappy these days?
Believe it or not, except for the poundage issue, I am pretty content in my own life of late. My woo-woo stuff is beginning to move forward, other stuff has assumed its rightful place in the background and that’s good.
In a larger sense, though, I really am concerned about the economy, those that are so hell-bent on manipulating people’s fear and emotions for their own benefit (oh hai insurance companies!) and the way things are playing out. I hate the Afghanistan/Pakistan situation and that more have to die in this stupid fucking mess. People are so scared about all of it. That makes me beyond unhappy. (How’s all that for a non-one-word answer?)
Do you have a good body image?
I shall refer you to an earlier question regarding what I’d do with a million dollars. I’ve NEVER had that. Ever. My mom had really major issues about hers and just passed that right on to me. At some point, I chose to own it and here I am, carrying them around of my own volition. I do have nice eyes and boobies, though.
What is your favorite fruit?
A good, juicy orange is tops in my book. Peaches, too. MMMM.
What websites do you visit daily?
Here’s my check-in list when I get to work: AskMeFi (love this site!), Balloon Juice political with a mix of dog and cat goofiness, DU (currently a swampland – I cannot wade into the General Discussion forum at all without wanting to slit my wrists), The Gal Herself and then I surf about mindlessly.
What have you been seriously addicted to lately?
Let’s see: David Cook (still), Twitter, and Dexter.
What’s the last song that got stuck in your head?
“Make me fall for you, as if I’ve got nothing else to do” – MWK
What is your favorite thing to wear?
My oh-so-comfy JammyPants. First thing I put on when I get home.
Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy?
Yummy is really NOT a word that fits with Rice Krispies. Yummy = cinnabon, bread pudding and ice cream with chocolate sauce. Short answer: NO.
What would you do if you saw $100 lying on the ground?
Look around to see if someone had just dropped it. And then probably pick it up, check with my guides to see if it’s okay to take it and go from there. (And yes, if they indicated no, I’d put it back down. I don’t cross my guides. For reals.)
What items couldn’t you go without during the day?
Coffee, iPod, debit card. Life is good.
What should you be doing right now?
Oh, probably something more constructive but my life is pretty free-flowing so I’ll get around to whatever that is soon enough.
Obligatory LOLcat:
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
I found this over at Soul Pancake and thought it might be interesting to ponder:
“Amazing tradition. They throw a great party for you on the one day they know you can’t come.†—Jeff Goldblum (as Michael Gold in The Big Chill)
Eight college friends search for lost ideals following the death of their mate Alex in Lawrence Kasdan’s The Big Chill, and brilliantly setting the stage is Kasdan’s iconic opening scene, where JoBeth Williams (as Karen Bowens) starts playing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want†by the Stones on a booming church organ. Each of the characters knowingly smiles at the first chords of the song. And a minute later, Mick Jagger’s rendition joins the soundtrack. In an instant, you’re thinking about love and life, memories and friendships, as well as your own death. So, thinking about the group of people that will likely come together over you one day, what songs sum up your life and would bring smiles to those left behind?
List 5 songs you would add to the playlist for your funeral.
1. Angel by Sarah McLachlan
“You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie / In the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here”
2. Dig by Incubus
“Remind me that we’ll always have each other / When everything else is gone. / Oh each other…. / When everything / Else is gone.”
3. In my life / The Beatles
There are places i’ll remember / All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better / Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments / With lovers and friends i still can recall
Some are dead and some are living / In my life i’ve loved them all
4. Just Fine / Mary J Blige (A totally great, upbeat song)
No time for moping around, are you kidding?
Ain’t no time for negative vibes, cause I’m winning
It’s been a long week, I put in my hardest
Gonna live my life, feels so good to get it right
So I like what I see when I’m looking at me
When I’m walking past the mirror
No stress through the night, at a time in my life
Ain’t worried about if you feel it
Got my head on straight, I got my mind right
I aint gonna let you kill it
You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just…..
Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
Just fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, ooooh
You see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just fine
5. The World I Know – Originally done by Collective Soul but for my celebration, I want the version done by (not-so-secret boyfriend) David Cook as shown here below the lyrics:
So I walk up on high /And I step to the edge
To see my world below / And I laugh at myself
As the tears roll down / cause it’s the world I know
It’s the world I know.
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