Day 168

#np - Shake your Bon-Bon by Ricky Martin

On my roughest day of the week I need the best song to get moving.  This should do just fine.

Also, Happy Leap Day!

Day 167

#np - Spiderwebs by No Doubt

I used to screen ALL of my phone calls.  Seriously, I hate talking on the phone.  I think it stemmed from answering the phone so much at the admissions office.  The last thing I wanted to do when I got off work was answer the phone.  

All of that changed, however, when I started looking for jobs.  Now I cannot rely on caller ID to tell me who is calling.  And my optimistic, overanxious mind wonders whether the random area coded caller is a person calling to offer a job interview or a telemarketer.  So I answer in anticipation that maybe my time is coming and the person on the other end LOVED my resume and wants to hire me outright.

But let me tell you, it's been more telemarketers than anything.  I'm trying optimistic though.  In a recession where the federal government is slowing their own hiring rate and local and state government won't feel the effects of the economic recovery for 12 more months, optimism is appropriate, right?  

Well, maybe it's not what most people default to but the alternative is complete and utter depression over the current job market and fear of not being employed come July 15th (when my money and lease runs out).  And surely that's not healthy.

I suppose it depends on what day you check in with me.  Some days I'm not worrying at all. I talk with my classmates and we're all positive.  We report on jobs we've applied for, others we were rejected from (because we were so grossly under-qualified, usually), and our dream jobs that aren't open but we look for everyday. Other days I can't imagine ever finding a job that is fulfilling and supports me financially.  I would post my application-to-interview rate but that would just be depressing.  

But today I woke up choosing optimism.  Tomorrow may be different but I hope to ride this wave for a little while.  Check back with me in May.  In the meantime, you can bet I'm not screening my phone calls until I find a job.

Day 166

#np - Circle of Life by Elton John

Last night, as I was sitting down to concentrate on my homework, my twitter and facebook feeds exploded a little with updates about the Lion King playing on ABC Family.  It was one of many times I was sad that I don't have cable TV anymore.  It's probably better considering my homework MUST get done.  Still, I thought playing this song this morning was appropriate.

Day 165

#np - You Gonna Fly by Keith Urban

Day 164

#np - Bitch by Meredith Brooks

That is all.

Day 163

#np - Not Ready to Make Nice by the Dixie Chicks

I love this song.  I was reminded of it last night after a conversation with one of my best friends.  We were talking about the swirling political climate with the primary elections and women's rights and the other issues that really get us going.  There are several men running for President that have some pretty crazy (IMHO) views on women's rights and health.  It just makes me crazy.  The cavalier attitudes that have with regard to women and our health and rights strike me as so sexist.  And I'm not ready to make nice.  And I'm not ready to back down.  It's time to stand up for our health and our bodies and our decisions.  

Day 162

#np - Say My Name by Destiny's Child

Good song to start the day.

Day 161

#np - Run Baby Run by Sheryl Crow

Every Monday night this semester I've had to give myself a pep talk that's essentially this song.  As I get closer and closer to (hopefully) completely my capstone thesis, the pep talk is becoming more frequent. If I tell myself this enough times will it work?  If so, define "enough."

Day 160

#np - Hate On Me by Jill Scott

Day 159

#np - Straight Up by Paula Abdul

I heard some new pop song last night that samples part of this song by Paula Abdul.  It's been in my head ever since.  And since I generally don't like songs that sample other songs (lyrics or music), I chose to dance to the original today.  Enjoy!  Happy Presidents Day!

Day 158

#np - Honey Bee by Blake Shelton

Day 157

#np - Glad You Came by The Wanted

Pop music by Brits?  Yes, please.

Day 156

#np - Love is in the Air by John Paul Young

Juanita and I are going to see The Vow tonight.  Let's hope love is in the air for Channing Tatum (and I).  ;)  It's the perfect end to Valentine's Week!

Day 155

#np - Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar

Day 154

#np - Mean by Taylor Swift

It's been in my head for a while so it's time to post it. :)  Happy post-valentine's day!

Day 153

#np - Somebody to Love by Queen

Happy Valentine's Day! Today's song is hopeful...not depressing. I swear. Seriously, I'm not bitter or anything.  Enjoy your candy hearts, chocolates and lovin'.  Despite this being a manufactured holiday, I do love it.  Hearts, love, candy, kisses, hugs, pink, balloons, cards; give it all to me.

Day 152

#np - Set Fire to the Rain by Adele

Big winner last night.  I love her.

Day 151

#np - One Moment in Time by Whitney Houston

RIP Whitney.  You made beautiful music that I'll sing at the top of my lungs from the privacy of my bedroom or car for the rest of my life.  Thank you.

Another, because I couldn't decide.

#np - Greatest Love of All by Whitney Houston

"I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone's shadow. If I fail, if I succeed, at least I lived as I believed. No matter what they take from me, they can't take away my dignity."

Wonderful words to live by.

Day 150

#np - American Saturday Night by Brad Paisley

My American saturday night will consist of a warm apartment, snuggles with Barkley, episodes of my favorite TV shows, and maybe a little homework.  Don't hate that your life isn't this great. :)

Day 149

#np - Mean Girls by Sugarland

Nothing makes me crazier than women hating on other women.  Especially for stupid things.  I find it abhorrent that women break each other down for sport.  So let it be known, I'm not going to stand by while this happens.  Mean women, consider yourselves on notice.  Verbal ass-kickings forthcoming.

Day 148

#np - Sisters Are Doin' It For Themselves by Annie Lennox and Aretha Franklin

In a real interview with my real imaginary best friends, Tina and Amy:

Tina Fey: Maybe what bothers me the most is that people say that Hillary [Clinton] is a bitch.  Let me say something about that: Yeah, she is.  And so am I and so is this one. [points to Amy]

Amy Poehler:  Yeah, deal with it.

Tina Fey:  Know what?  Bitches get stuff done.

Day 147

#np - Black Water by The Doobie Brothers

Keep on shinin' on me.

Day 146

#np - Beauty School Dropout by Frankie Avalon

I have a phd class on Wednesdays (taken as an elective for my masters program called fiscal and budgetary policy) that requires a lot of prep work for the 3 hour class period.  I know this every week.  And yet we're in the 4th or 5th week of school now and I still find myself waiting until Monday night (after my class ends at 8 or 9pm) to start the crap-ton of work I have to do.  

Why do I do this to myself?  Why are reruns of Parks and Rec or The Office more important to me than finishing this work at a decent hour?

I think these may be questions I'll never know the answer to.

Day 145

#np - Fly Away by Lenny Kravitz

There was a football last night?  All I remember was seeing Cinna perform during the pre-game show and then I saw him wish Katniss good luck in the Hunger Games trailer.  Love.  

45 days to HG

88 days to MS graduation

Day 144

#np - Smile by Uncle Kracker

Day 143

#np - Domino by Jessie J

Day 142

#np - Inside Out by Eve 6

Another trip to Louisville, another two hours spent with GenX radio.  Best radio station ever.  The other night I drove Juanita to SDF and as a bonus I got two hours of GenX and red velvet cheesecake from The Cheesecake Factory.  Great evening!

Day 141

#np - I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher

It's groundhog day!  And here's one of the best Bill Murray movies ever. BING!

Day 140

#np - Bad by Michael Jackson

I haven't seen it yet (UK GAME LAST NIGHT!) but I hear Glee did an MJ episode last night.  I'm not a huge MJ fan but he does have some great songs.  I especially like this one.

Well they say the sky's the limit

And to me that's really true

But my friend you have seen nothing

Just wait 'til I get through...