Day 108

#np - 2011 United States of Pop by DJ Earworm

The CATS play Louisville today.  First big test since IU.  A win would be a great way to end this great year of basketball.

Happy New Years Eve!

Day 107

#np - Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show

It just makes me rock back and forth.  :)

Day 106

#np - Next Best Thing by Nikki and Rich

Well, this is it.  I've fallen in love. 

No no, not what you're thinking.  Books!  I've fallen in love with books.  Or my Kindle, I guess because it gives me all the books I could want (read: pay for) in under 60 seconds.  With grad school and the general busyness/laziness of my life, I've let my fun reading list fall by the wayside.  While I should have spent the holiday break applying for jobs or developing my capstone, I've been reading.  

If you're a book lover, you understand.  Sometimes you just cannot put a book down.  You're lost in a world that the book and your mind creates.  You come to accept the fact that you simply won't get any work done.  That you can do without the sleep.  That figuring out if you're Team Peeta or Team Gale is as important as Christmas shopping.  And knowing the Watkins' secret is better than Flamingo Row (and if you know me, you know that nothing is better than the Row).  

So, I find myself both needing book suggestions and having a few suggestions for you.  I'll admit, I didn't read enough in middle and high school and am now emotionally/literaturely-stunted and therefore mostly enjoy Young Adult fiction.  

First, I read the Hunger Games trilogy in about 5 days.  Can I be a BAMF like Katniss Everdeen?  Can I have Peeta (and/or Gale, lets be real) for myself.  Do Peetas exist?  I'm not so sure but this book has ignited my love for the dystopian genre.  Love in the midst of a seemingly-perfect world?  Flagrant social injustice threatening to destroy the fabric of a nation? Sign me up.

Second, I bought Flat-Out Love on Amazon for a shockingly low price.  I struggled at first with the purchase.  The reviews of the book were outstanding (and luckily, gave nothing away) but that can be a big red flag.  So I took advantage of Amazon's sample feature and read the first chapter or so.  Honestly, I was hooked from the license notes where the author threatens bodily harm by way of an ammonia-soaked nerd tee beating.  If your AN can make me laugh out loud then that's something indeed.  Jessica Park, we would probably be best friends.  Although I cannot share your love for coffee.  

I recommend all of these books.  You can get the entire trilogy on your Kindle for less than $20 if you buy it as a set.  DO IT.  FOL is wonderful and inexpensive but don't let that fool you.  It's a quality read.  

Let me know if you have suggestions.  I'm counting on the Amazon reviewers for recommendations but their reviews often include spoilers which I cannot stand.  Perhaps I'm completely hypocritical considering I'll take a TV spoiler any day (I need the gossip on GLEE!) but a book is sacred and therefore should not be spoiled.  

Go on, get off the internet and read a book.  Let your imagination take you away.  You weren't watching the republicans square off in Iowa anyway, right?  Right???  Yeah, me either.

Day 105

#np - It's My Life by Bon Jovi

I just wanna live while I'm alive!

Day 104

#np - Good Vibrations by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

Feel it, feel it!

Day 103

#np - Home Sweet Home by Carrie Underwood

Today the family heads home.  Last year, December 26th started a nasty case of the post-holiday blues for me.  That's because there was a week-long gap between my family leaving Lexington (Jon for Chicago and my parents for Paducah) and my friends returning.  This year, however, I'm on my way to Paducah to see Becky and Emily before returning to LEX for the UK/Louisville basketball game on New Years Eve.  It's a busy time!

That means I get all my favorite restaurants from home during the holidays, too!  SO HAPPY.

Day 102

#np - I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas by Gayla Peevey

It's my favorite Christmas song!  Sorry that the video is paused at the hippo's butt. 

Happy Holidays!

Day 101

#np - All I Want For Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey

Come on, you knew it was coming.

Merry Christmas Eve!  We're celebrating in Lexington!!!

ALSO, if you miscontrued yesterday's post as sad, I didn't intend it that way.  I'm actually happy with taking the "long way around" but it is harder around the holidays.  That being said, I wouldn't trade any part of the path I've chosen.  And I think I'll keep taking this way.  :)

Day 100

#np - The Long Way Around by the Dixie Chicks

Christmastime is the easiest time to get depressed about being single.  Seriously, sometimes the holiday cheer makes me want to vomit.  And when you get back to life there's inevitably a friend or two that announces they've gotten engaged or impregnated over the holiday.  

So yeah, my mind goes there sometimes.  Where would I be if I hadn't taken this path.  The long way.  

I graduate in less than 5 months.  Then I'll be back on my own and the pressure to settle down will increase.  But I'm not sure I'm ready to give up the long way.  Or maybe I'm not ready to acknowledge that I will be on the other path.  The one that's earnestly looking for a partner and thinking about a ticking biological clock.  

Twenty-nine years and 100 days isn't too late to keep taking the long way, is it?

Day 99

#np - Proud Mary by Credence Clearwater Revival

Day 98

#np - Poker Face by Lady Gaga

Jury Duty orientation today.  Put your poker faces on.

Also, Mom and Poppy get here today.  I love my family.

Day 97

#np - She Loves Everybody by Chester French

Day 96

#np - If It Makes You Happy by Sheryl Crow

Sleeping in will make me happy this week. :)

Day 95

#np - Wild at Heart by Gloriana

I ain't here to do anything half way, don't give a damn what anyone might say. I just wanna free fall for a while...

At least for 3 weeks while I'm ON BREAK!

Day 94

#np - Hips Don't Lie by Shakira

Finals are over!!!!!!!!!  Shake those hips, girl.  

Finally I can stop talking about them. I've been annoying myself.

Day 93

#np - Suddenly I See by KT Tunstall

I'm up "early" and ready to cram since I really didn't study after our study session yesterday.  Today is my last final!  I feel like I'm Andie in Devil Wears Prada where she's walking nervously to her interview with her onion bagel.  And I don't even like onion bagels.  Let's hope I walk out of the final like Andie-post-makeover-I'm-awesome-in-these-chanel-boots.  A girl can dream.

On another note, I'm so frantic to know my final grade that I downloaded theUKMobile app so I can check it on my phone.  I wish it would notify me as grades come in.

I need to get a life.

Day 92

#np - Take Me or Leave Me by Idina Menzel and Tracie Thoms

This diva needs her stage.  (My motto, from time to time.)

2 days.  

And thank goodness because my body can't take the extremes of finals anymore.  I'm completely sleep deprived in a way that has my days and nights kind of mixed up.  My body is also rejecting junk food and greasy food now that I've hit my annual limit (probably for 2012, too).  I actually bought pre-cut, 30 calories packs of apples last night (after going into Krogetto for pre-made chex puppy chow which was a bust) because I just had to have something not completely bad for me.  You know it's getting ready when I voluntarily buy prepackaged fruit.

Day 91

#np - Bulletproof

My first final is today.  I need a good dance to get started.

Day 90

#np - You Can't Always Get What You Want by the Rolling Stones

Wise words for anyone taking finals this week. 

Day 89

#np - Mercy by Duffy

Release me!

5 days.

Day 88

#np - Devil Went Down To Georgia by the Charlie Daniels Band

In six days I'll be on winter break.  Thank goodness.  I just have to hold out a little longer.  School kicked my butt this semester. In the meantime, there will be NO selling of my soul for good final grades or job offers.  *rinse and repeat*

Day 87

#np - Rock Your Body by Justin Timberlake

Give it a whirl.

Day 86

#np - Jailhouse Rock by Elvis Presley

I get it. ;)

Day 85

#np - Glycerine by Bush

Gwen Stefani and No Doubt were featured last week so it's only right that Gwen's HOT husband, Gavin Rossdale and his band, Bush, be on the blog.  It's a slower rock song but oh so wonderful.

Day 84

#np - You Can't Stop The Beat by the Glee Cast

You can't stop this.

Also, I thought last night's Glee was fantastic.  

Day 83

"Hate doesn't win until love no longer has a voice." ~Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing

#np - Beautiful by Christina Aguilera

The other day my friend, Karyn, posted a link to an article written by Dan Pearce of Single Dad Laughing. Dan writes a Christian blog and his topic a couple of weeks ago about being a Christian except when faced with someone who is gay.  He talks of people walking with Christ except when confronted by obvious sinners.  When faced with these obvious sinners, some Christians (not all as I know MANY who love unconditionally) take it upon themselves to judge and hate these brethren.

I struggle with faith.  I have for a long time.  Some of my struggle stems from a time when my brother came out to me.  I suddenly couldn't reconcile a loving God with one who hates homosexuals.  And so, because my brother is quite simply the light of my life, I chose to love him unconditionally.  And in that, my faith has wavered.  Perhaps not from God but definitely from church.  And that's why I found this blog post to be so moving.  Here was a man, a single father, a Christian, explaining that God said to "love one another." Period.  Dan also posted a few of the responses he received from the comments section of the post.  Two are absolutely heartbreaking.  The intolerance in their vitriol would be unbelievable if it weren't so prevalent in society.  But the last five responses were those of hope and love.  The exact teachings of Christ and God.

This blog hasn't made me want to go back to church.  But it has renewed my faith in people.  We all have things we feel insecure about.  For example, my weight has always been an area of deep insecurity for me but even that's not the same as being judged for being gay - as if something is wrong with you even though you're being exactly who you are.  And to think that my brother, an absolute wonder to our family, could be walking around with this hatred on his back...well, that is unacceptable.  It's unacceptable for him and others like him, gay or not, to feel the hatred of others.  

Allow me to take this opportunity to let everyone know that I love you.  There are lots of movements like "It Gets Better" or organizations like The Trevor Project aimed at showing acceptance and love.  But I'm not sure the message is getting out there enough.  I love you and I celebrate you, just as you are.

Day 82

#np - Shake It Out by Florence and the Machine

Final paper and presentation due tonight.  Running on a pretty significant lack of sleep.  As long as my body still has some energy, I need to shake this out.  And on a bright side, this is the second-to-last Monday of this semester!  Then I get the next five off COMPLETELY!

Day 81

#np - Baggage Claim by Miranda Lambert

Angry country girl rock for a day that I'm going to spent doing homework ALL DAY.  Especially after my flash drive stopped working last night.  Not cool.  Just two weeks left until my three week vacation.

At least the WILDCATS won yesterday.  I had a wonderful time at the game with my Dad and my throat still hurts from yelling so much. 

Day 80

#np - Turn the Beat Around by Gloria Estefan

Full belly laughs.  Last night I had a conversation with my Mom about full belly laughs.  The ones where you laugh loudly and with gusto.  You clutch your side and gasp for breath.  The kind that clearly show you're enjoying the crap out of life.

I personally don't believe in the polite chuckle (or the Heavy Breath Chuckle - HBC - as I named it with Cole).  You know the little one that people do when loud laughs are kind of inappropriate (if there ever is such a time).  

Well, count me out.  If I find something funny, I'm going to laugh my big, loud, full belly laugh...right up until I get kicked out of wherever I am.  But at least you'll know I'm having fun.  Because at any moment something could take me from this world.  

And I'd rather be remembered for full belly laughs.

So let's all remember to LOL.

Day 79

#np -  Already Gone by The Eagles

I have a professor that scheduled an extra class session this week...on Friday...at 3:30 in the afternoon.  So, that kind of stinks.  But at least it requires me to get out and be productive.  This week was bad but next week is worse.  Is this where I say "I'm getting too old for this"?

Day 78

"Don't go looking for a fight but if you're in a fight, and it's the right fight, fight until you win, if only for yourself."
~Dorothy Howell Rodham

#np - Sing by My Chemical Romance

Fourteen years ago my life changed in a second.  It's hard to explain to people who haven't experienced something similar.  Fourteen years ago, a boy I went to high school with brought a gun to school.  He brought it to school and he shot people.  Even today, it's almost surreal.  Almost.  Almost because I remember the sounds and smells.  I remember the yells and the people.  It's both vivid and blurry.  That doesn't even make sense but it's the only way to describe it.  A haze of emotions and images with punctuated moments of complete clarity.

There are days where I wish I could forget.  I wish that simple things didn't remind me of that day.  I wish that when I tell people where I went to high school that they didn't inadvertently say "Hey, isn't that where the school shooting was?"  It isn't their fault.  It's natural curiosity and I'm usually okay to talk about it.  And when I get really down and start to ask why, I remember her.  I choose not to forget.

I had this friend in high school who wanted to be a police officer.  She was a beautiful girl and she already knew what she wanted to be when she grew up.  She wanted to help people.  She wanted to do something with her life that would make a difference in the lives of others.  But she isn't here.  She can't help people now.

To this day I wonder why things turned out like they did.  Why her?  She was going to help people.  I've struggled my entire life with what I want to be when I grow up. And now I'm approaching 30 years old, twice the age she was when she died, and I've finally figured out that I want to help people too.

I suppose it could be seen as some twisted tribute to her.  I've finally figured out what I can do and I'm feeling more peace than I ever have.  Kayce, you've been my inspiration for 14 years.  Thank you for being an incredible example.  I hope I make you proud.

Day 77

#np - The Lazy Song by Bruno Mars

Wednesdays tend to be a black hole for me.  Let's hope today is different.

Day 76

#np - Little Lion Man by Mumford & Sons

There are some songs I can really get behind using a well place f-word.  This is one of them.  

Love.  

It. 

All.

Day 75

#np - Just A Girl by No Doubt

Christmas advertising has kicked in and all weekend I saw the same clothing commercial for some kind of anime line designed by Gwen Stefani.  First, it reminded me of all my favorite No Doubt songs.  Then it made me realize that she's probably designing this clothing line for her kids.  Instead of focusing on how much time has passed since No Doubt was super-popular, I've decided to just dance it out.  Happy Monday!

Day 74

#np - If You're Going Through Hell by Rodney Atkins

Today will be spent doing homework and hopefully going to the grocery store.  I need to be productive.

On another note, this is my second Rodney Atkins song and I couldn't pick him out of a line up if I tried.  I guess I'm a fan....

Day 73

#np - Everybody (Backstreet's Back) by Backstreet Boys

I'm heading back to Lexington today. :(  I'm going to miss my brother and my parents so much!  It's been a great Thanksgiving though.  And I'm looking forward to being home and just relaxing.  I have a ton of homework to do and I barely had any time at home between D.C. and Chicago.  Home sweet home.

Day 72

#np - Tonight (I'm Loving You) by Enrique Iglesias

Thanksgiving in Chicago is wonderful!  It's not as cool as it was last year so it's definitely more comfortable. :)

Mom, Me and Jon in Chicago

Day 71

#np - None Of Your Business by Salt 'n Pepa

Happy Thanksgiving!  I'm in Chicago with my brother and parents for the rest of the week.  It's not too cold this year so I think we'll be walking around after dinner tonight.  

Last night, Jon and I found Miss Congeniality on the list of free on demand movies and just had to watch it.  Early in the movie, Gracie Lou Freebush beats the crap out of her punching bag to this song.  LOVE!

We also LOVE Sandy Bullock.

#siblings

PS  Jon knew every word to this song.  EVERY. WORD.  When I asked how he knew it since it's from 1993, he said "I learned it because I love it so much." We're so related.

Day 70

#np - I'll Be There - Jackson 5

Chicago, here I come.

Day 69

#np - 4 Minutes by Madonna (featuring Justin Timberlake)

One one day of work and two classes stands between me and Thanksgiving in Chicago. :)

Day 68

#np - Time is Running Out by Muse

Day 67

#np - Uptown Girl by Billy Joel

I'm postponing Country Sunday today for a city song since I'm still in Washington.  Another day of sight-seeing and then I'm leaving for Lexington tonight around 9.  I love D.C. but I can't wait to get home and see Barkley.  Then it's almost Thanksgiving!

Day 66

#np - Firework by Katy Perry

I'm sight-seeing around D.C. today!  Expect pictures next week. :)

Maybe this is where I'm meant to be...

Day 65

#np - Keep Your Head Up by Andy Grammer

It's way harder to do my song of the day dance while staying in a hostel in Washington, D.C.  I opted to take my ipod in the bathroom though and dance in there instead of disturbing my bunkmates with both the song and my dancing.  You're all welcome.

Day 64

#np - Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga (because I think she's the only one that can keep me awake today!)

I never even went to bed last night.  I decided to stay awake all night so that I wouldn't oversleep and miss my flight to Washington, D.C.  The Martin School is heading to the county's Capital to meet with Martin School alumni and other D.C. professionals as well as to do some sight-seeing.  The problem is that our flight leaves LOUISVILLE at 6:15 this morning.  Hence my lack of sleep.  Maybe I can sleep on the flight!

Day 63

#np - You're the One That I Want by Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta

Day 62

#np - Beautiful Day by U2

Last night, I watched the ABC special about Gabby Giffords, Congressman from Arizona.  Good God.  What an amazing woman.  This is her favorite song; it was before the shooting.  I think it's the perfect song for this blog.  And she's given me some perspective that I think I've lost in the last few weeks as school has been bearing down on me.  So this morning I dance for her to her favorite song. 

Day 61

#np - Footloose by Kenny Loggins

I don't like remakes.

Day 60

#np - Hell on Heels by Pistol Annies

Day 59

#np - Papi by Jennifer Lopez

Day 58

#np - We Found Love by Rihanna (featuring Calvin Harris)

Fairly certain they'll play this at the date party tonight.  Lord, help me.

Day 57

#np - Run the World (Girls) by Beyonce

If I ever get elected to city council, I want this to be played when I make my acceptance speech.  ;)

Day 56

#np - Moves like Jagger by Maroon 5 (featuring Christina Aguilera)

Day 55

#np - Dynamite by Taio Cruz

It's election day!  I hope you go vote!

Day 54

#np - Brighter Than The Sun by Colbie Caillat

It's happening again.  The pull of adulthood is causing me to wake up early.  I noticed it the first time when I was in my last year working at UK.  I started VOLUNTARILY waking up and getting out of bed around 9am on the weekends.  When I went back to school, however, this stopped because I was up so late doing homework all the time.  I noticed this past weekend, after a couple of early nights because my Mom was in town, that this is coming back.  

I always wondered why "old people" always woke up so early.  I guess it's your body's way of saying don't waste your time sleeping.  Anyway, I'm going to stop fighting it and I'm going to try to go to bed earlier from now.  Truth be told, being up early isn't so bad...especially if you get a nap (also known as second-sleep) at some point during the day.

Day 53

#np - Take A Back Road by Rodney Adkins

I love songs and videos that remind me of home.  :)

Day 52

#np - Jump (for my love) by Girls Aloud

I watched Love Actually last night and wanted to use this song because my favorite part of the movie is when Hugh Grant dances to it.  LOVE!

Day 51

#np - It's All Coming Back To Me Now by Celine Dion

You can't really dance to this but you can definitely act it out in front of a full-length mirror...not that I did that or anything.

It was pretty wonderful having my mom visit for yesterday's dance.  It was day 50 and there was a smile on my face all day from seeing her celebrate the day.  It was really special, Mom.   Thanks for coming in!!!

Day 50

#np - Super Bass by Nicki Minaj

I had a guest dancer this morning!  The one and only ORIGINAL TBopp (my momma) came in for a short two day stint to see me and go to the UK/Transy exhibition basketball game.  I think it's clear where I get all my dope moves.

And if you haven't seen this little girl (featured on Ellen, I think), it's definitely worth it.  Wait for the little shimmy move she does on the last verse.  LOVE.

Oh yeah, and I'm 29 and 50 days old today!

Day 49

#np - Stay (I Missed You) by Lisa Loeb

She made black, horn-rimmed glasses cool to me.  Did you know that she launched her own eyewear line in 2010 (so says Wikipedia).  

Day 48

#np - The Sign by Ace of Base

Bah!  Days like today I really wish Jon checked this blog regularly.  He'd appreciate this song.

Day 47

#np - Wannabe by Spice Girls

What do you all "wannabe" for Halloween???

Day 46

#np - Heads Carolina, Tails California by Jo Dee Messina

The strongest urge I have right now is to flip a coin or roll some dice to figure out where I'll be next year.  

Day 45

#np - Free Your Mind by En Vogue

Ladies, stand up.

Day 44

#np - What's Up by Four Non Blondes

As a non-blonde, I love the name of this band.

Day 43

#np - Love Shack by the B-52's

Kaitlin and I have to get through this long Thursday somehow.  This is a GREAT start.

Would anyone else like to see them remake this song on Glee?

Day 42

#np - Macarena by Los del Rio

Flashback: 8th grade dance.

I killed it on the dance floor with these moves.  

Ah, delusion.

Day 41

#np - Time by Hootie and the Blowfish

The FIRST EVER concert I attended was a Hootie and the Blowfish concert in Nashville in their open area concert venue (clearly, I cannot remember the name).  It was a really cool experience.  Jon and I were with my parents and two other families and it poured down rain on us and we wore trash bags and sat next to people smoking pot.  Quite the learning curve.

Also, I also went to my first Hooter's restaurant that weekend.  Firsts, all around.

I've only been back to Hooter's once and it was completely against my will and I may have been a little drunk after a football bowl game (also in Nashville, randomly).

Day 40

#np - Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heros (featuring Adam Levine)

This one gets in your head and won't leave.  Ah, Monday.

Day 39

#np - Barefoot Blue Jean Night by Jake Owen

Sundays are by far my most relaxing day.  So, I'm going to make Sunday my country day.  Great music that you can still dance to but maybe just a little more laid back.  Enjoy!

Day 38

#np - Living on a Prayer by Bon Jovi

Today is UK's Homecoming.  I haven't followed football much this year but I'm pretty sure this song is appropriate.  ;)  The Martin School is having a tailgate today and then I'm actually going to the game. Since it's a noon game with tailgating, today was another early day.  I'm going to need to go to bed early tonight.

Day 37

#np - You Make Me Feel...by Cobra Starship (featuring Sabi)

It's so catchy.  La la la la la.

And I need catchy this morning.  I had to be up at 6:30am.  I know that's normal for lots of people but this is the first time in a LONG time that I've had to wake up that early.  I'm probably going to struggle today.  I am doing a quick trip to Louisville with Juanita to go to the mall and then we're going to the UK Step Show tonight.  Busy weekend ahead!

Day 36

#np - Rumour Has It by Adele

Everyone's obsessed with Adele now.  I agree, she has an amazing voice and I love her songs.  But what about when you aren't in a dark and twisty place mourning a relationship?  Well, then you need this song.  It's not the easiest song to dance to but dammit, I feel awesome after I listen to it.

Day 35

#np - Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People

On my facebook newsfeed the other day, Spotify informed me that Emily had listened to the entire Foster the People album.  So, because I miss her terribly and she sent me a card via regular snail mail last week, she gets a song dedicated to her.  :)  

But the song is kind of f-ed up (from the POV of a killer or something - I googled it) so she definitely shouldn't take it that way.  

Day 34

#np - Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey

Special request from Kaitlin. :)  It is a great one!

Day 33

#np - Umbrella by Rihanna (featuring Jay-Z)

Good, upbeat song for a Monday morning.  :)  Happy week!

Day 32

#np - Total Eclipse of the Heart by Bonnie Tyler

Long before The Dan Band sang "I [f-ing] need you more than ever" and before the Glee cast sang it in a ballet studio, my brother and I sang it into hairbrushes in my parents kitchen at the loudest volume of our cabinet-mounted FM radio.  I didn't know he was gay for about five years after that.  Missed that one good.  :)