Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Happy New Year

Just wishing everyone a wonderful 2009. I hope you have a wonderful evening tonight helping 2008 walk out the door. Please slam it and make sure it hits it in the backside on the way out.

I know I'll be sitting with friends eating and drinking good things tonight and watching cheesy movies until all hours, which is as it should be.

I wish you all a safe and enjoyable evening in whatever way you chose to spend it. I hope to see you all in the new year.

Bye bye 2008, can't say that I will miss you one iota!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Tuesday Tunes: Week 63

From Music Memoirs

New Year, New Music:

What artists have albums you are looking forward to in the coming year?
Right now I'm looking forward to Diana Krall's Quiet Nights that is due out at the end of March, Stevie Nicks' The Soundstage Sessions due out about the same time which is supposed to have The Circle Dance on it which was so wonderful when she sang it live and the new Morrissey, because I'm a glutton for Morrissey.

Do you have plans to see any concerts in 2009?
I have plans to see concerts in 2009 but right now I don't know who they will be. I can always hope for Elvis Costello. I would love to see Keith Urban with Lady Antebellum too. We'll see how things shape up. Oh and if Over The Rhine come near Pittsburgh this year, I am so there!!!

What artist do you hope fades into oblivion in 2009?
Only one? Drat! I was kinda hoping to get rid of a few! Britney is always top on my list. Justin Timberlake can go too. Oh and Beoynce! Why? Because I'm sick of all of them right now!

Top Songs Of 2008


Artist: Various Artists
Album: Best Of 2008 The Country Edition (97 MB)
Genre: Mixtape, Country
Sounds Like: Alan Jackson, Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton
Tracklisting:
Alan Jackson - Good Time
Brad Paisley w/Keith Urban - Start A Band
Jimmy Wayne - Do You Believe Me Now
Dolly Parton - Shinola
Sugarland - All I Want To Do
Taylor Swift - Love Story
Rebbeca Lynn Howard - Better Someday
Kellie Pickler - Best Days Of Your Life
Keith Anderson - Somebody Needs A Hug
Darius Rucker - Don't Think I Don't Think About It
Carlene Carter - Break My Little Heart In Two
Carter's Chord - Boys Like You (Give Love A Bad Name)
Kenny Chesney - Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven
Kristy Lee Cook - 15 Minutes Of Shame
Lady Antebellum - Lookin' For A Good Time
Montgomery Gentry - Back When I Knew It All
Toby Keith - That Don't Make Me A Bad Guy
Brooks & Dunn - Cowgirls Don't Cry
Blake Shelton - She Wouldn't Be Gone
Comments: Some of the biggest country hits as well as some obscure songs from 2008.


Artist: Various Artists
Album: Best Of 2008 (103 MB)
Genre: Mixtape
Sounds Like: A bit of everything
Tracklisting:
The Smithereens - Thank You Girl
Boyzone - Better
Sara Melson - Dirty Mind
Ron Sexsmith - Brandy Alexander
Elvis Costello & The Imposters - Go Away
Duffy - Mercy
Eric Benet - The Hunger
Rick Springfield - What's Victoria's Secret
Danny Elfman - The Little Things
Ladyhawke - Love Don't Live Here
Lindsey Buckingham - The Right Place To Fade
Morten Harket - Send Me An Angel
Judd Starr - Please Penny
Melody Gardot - Worrisome Heart
Natalie Cole - Come Rain Or Come Shine
Dido - Northern Skies
Dar Williams - Its Alright

Monday, December 29, 2008

Lowlights Of 2008

Let's face it, most of us will be glad when 2008 goes bye byes. Here are my reasons why 2008 should make a speedy departure.

1. Death of Grandma in April.
2. Death of Itchy kitty in July.
3. Stock market tanking.
4. Hillary Clinton losing to Obama. Yes, I would still prefer her to be prez.
5. Death of Myron Cope, Paul Newman and Eartha Kitt to name a few of the celebrities that passed.
6. That boobie issue I had. Oye!
7. Announcement that David Tennant is leaving Doctor Who at the end of 2009.
8. SARAH PALIN!
9. New albums by Madonna and Britney.
10. Elvis Costello's talk show. God, EC that is the worst thing I've ever watched with one of my favorite celebrities. Now if only this show would make a speedy departure.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Highlights Of 2008

The first list of what I'll remember the most about 2008. Today is the high points.

1. Great concerts by Gordon Lightfoot, Nick Lowe, Peter Noone, Lady Antebellum and Rockapella.
2. Meeting Gordon, Nick, Lady A and Peter after those shows.
3. Vacations to Erie, PA and Canton, OH.
4. My new Dell.
5. Obama getting elected.
6. Enjoying 2 county fairs.
7. Watching my cat have kittens.
8. Rescuing Miss Callie and Gumdrop (aka Umma Gumma)
9. Peebles opening in Belle Vernon.
10. La Fiesta opening in Charleroi. (Mmmm Mexican)
11. Getting a small raise at work.

Saturday, December 27, 2008

The Pink Zen Of Doom Died

Another casualty of 2008: My pretty pink Zen Micro. The battery died and refuses to charge anywhere now. To replace the battery on the player would cost as much as buying another similar player.

So now I have the dilemma of deciding if I should replace it, even though I have the 30 GB Zen Vision or just toss it and cry awhile.

My eye has been on the 120 GB Zune for quite some time. I just don't know if I want to spend that kind of money right now, since I just bought the computer.

~sigh~

Its just not fair.

Why did the poor little Zen O' Doom have to go this year. I'm going to miss it terribly. I truly loved that little player. It was so cute and so pink.

RIP Zen O'Doom!

Friday, December 26, 2008

And Now It's Over And Done

It was a nice Christmas. Just about all the family gathered and we had a lovely supper of turkey and ham and all the fixings. Presents were exchanged and I got my fair share of goodies.

My stash included:

1. Pair of nice warm jammies.
2. Some bath stuff.
3. Jack Ingram's This Is It CD
4. Cash!!!
5. Peebles gift card.
6. Walmart gift card.
7. Amazon gift card.
8. Brinsley Schwarz and Smithereens CD
9. Mudcrutch CD.
10. Heck: Where The Bad Kids Go book.
11. Gold bracelet.
12. The Dell! (My Christmas present to me)
13. Christmasy jewelry.

Twas a very good year, even though I downed several glasses of wine and a bottle of Cherry Wheat beer and even that didn't put me to sleep when I wanted to go.

Thursday, December 25, 2008

I Wish You A Merry Christmas


Here's hoping that each and every one of you will have a joyous and blessed holiday with those that you love the most.

Enjoy the festivities. Enjoy the telly. (BBC America is playing some great specials) But most of all enjoy each other, because we never know what next year will bring, so remember to tell everyone that you love them.

Merry Christmas, my friends. I may not know you as well as others in your life, but I love you all. Enjoy your holiday!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

The First Christmas Without You

Dear Grandma,

Something doesn't seem quite right this year. The house across the street is dark and lonely. There's no sign of a blind going up or down in the morning. There's no cheery smile when I walk in.

The phone doesn't ring at 10 p.m. to let us know that you've made it upstairs to bed. Nor does it ring in the morning.

Thursday afternoons no longer involve taking you to get your hair done. I don't take you to your coin club meetings once a month.

I don't do the laundry on a ringer washer anymore

Going to Save-a-lot to do your shopping is a thing of the past.

So are your hugs and kisses.

I can't hear you say I love you more.

You had more Christmases than most people dream of Grandma, but this first one without you hurts so badly, because you were always such a part of Christmas. For my first 20 some years Christmas Eve was a special occasion at your house. But that meal was always a special part of the holiday and you made it so, even when you stopped putting up a tree.

This is what I'll always remember

family085

family087

I love you grandma and I miss you so much.

Love,

Andrea

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

My Computer Shipped!!!

Everything left Best Buy yesterday! I may have it for Christmas or close to it!! I'm so excited! I haven't had a new computer in 8 years!

I'm not sure I'm excited about moving all my stuff to the new system in the coming days but I can't wait to feel the fastness of a brand new machine!!

Squee!

I'm so excited as if you couldn't tell already!!

Here's hoping Best Buy is right and it shows up for Christmas. If not New Year's is acceptable to me! I just want a new computer that doesn't run so slow and lets me transfer my files to my Zen with ease!

Not much to ask for, right?

It probably is, but oh well.

Monday, December 22, 2008

One more mix for you

Artist: Various Artists
Album: A Gift Of Christmas Music (82 MB)
Genre: Holiday, Mixtape
Tracklisting:
Leigh Nash - Last Christmas
Rosie Thomas - What Can't It Be Christmastime
The Sweptaways - Lady December
Erin McCarley - Little Drummer Boy
Maren Ord - The Gift Of Sacrife
Jim Brickman - Coming Home For Christmas
Holler, Wild Rose! - Born In A Cave
Enya - Miraculum
Jars Of Clay - Love Came Down At Christmas
Holly Conlan - I'll Be Home For Christmas
Lee Ann Womack - The Season For Romance
The Bird & The Bee - Carol Of The Bells
John Legend - It Don't Have To Change
Loreena McKennitt - The Seven Rejoices Of Mary
FuchiKachis Ethu - O Come All Ye Faithful
Goldfrapp - Winter Wonderland
Rascal Flatts - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Deep 6 Holiday - Lo How A Rose/God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Comments: Bonus Christmas mix!

Cold!!!!!

OMG its only 4 degrees outside today. That is just too freaking cold. I seriously thought I was going to freeze last night. My bedroom was too cold so I ended up sleeping in the living room in the recliner with the space heater on.

Brrr is really all I can say. I don't think I can remember a December this cold. Usually the single digit temps come in January or February. Again, all I can say is Brrrrrr!

The power flickered out a few times during the night. I grew crabbier and crabbier. Oddly though, I slept.

That makes no sense to me at all but I did. This old comforter my nephew uses was really really warm.

The only good thing about the weather is that our part of the world didn't get the snow and for that I'm very very happy, because frigidness and snow is just plain downright evil!

Now if you don't mind, pass me a blanket, my gloves, a scarf, a fuzzy hat and some really warm socks, so I can head out to work today.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Dude I'm Getting A Dell!

This lovely Dell from Best Buy will be flying its way to my door by Christmas. I know I'm a fool, but the old HP is about to breathe its last and I'd rather get a new one before the old one drops dead.

Here are the specs:

# Intel® Pentium® Dual-Core processor E2200, 4GB DDR2 SDRAM, double-layer DVD±RW/CD-RW drive, 320GB hard drive, Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 and Windows Vista Home Premium with SP1
# 19" widescreen flat-panel LCD monitor with ultrafast 5 ms response time and 1000:1 contrast ratio; HD-ready via DVI-D input with HDCP; built-in power and cable management; easy stand detachment for wall-mount option (mounting kit not included)
# Epson Stylus all-in-one photo printer, copier and scanner with support for borderless photo print sizes up to 8.5" x 11"; fit-to-page and automatic reduction copying features

Yay!

Saturday, December 20, 2008

I'm Done Shopping

Today I made one last trip to Peebles and then to Giant Eagle to get a few little things.

Big Mistake.

The whole area of Rostraver was a freaking zoo. Not so much at Peebles as the grocery store, but crikey it was a few hours of pure unadulterated hell.

After I finished shopping I went to the Wine & Spirits store and bought 2 bottles of wine, which I've contemplated drinking already.

Now all I want to do is chill out, watch some telly or read a good book and not have to deal with the public anymore.

Tomorrow the only place this girl is going is out to the River House with my dad for dinner. Wild horses couldn't drag me to a shopping mall or plaza until January now.

Friday, December 19, 2008

The Best Author Ever


Its no lie that when I tell you one of my favorite authors is Richard Paul Evans. His written books like The Christmas Box and The Gift.

I look forward to reading whatever new novel he's released at this time each year. They are heartwarming stories, some will make you cry, but all are really wonderful. Only a person without a heart could not find them enjoyable, and that includes the Grinch when his heart was ten sizes too small.

Grace is his latest and one I'm treating myself to this month from The Book Of The Month Club. I can't wait to read it.

If you really want to read a good story, one that will make you believe that there is still goodness in the world, pick up one of his books. I'm a firm believer that this man truly has a gift from god with his writing.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Merry Christmas 2008 Mix


Artist: Various Artists
Genre: Holiday
Sounds Like: A Bit of Everything
Songs:
Toby Keith - Have I Got A Present For You
Carrie Underwood - Do You Hear What I Hear
Jeff Dunham - From Us To You
Hayley Westenra - Mary Did You Know
Harry Connick Jr - Santariffic
Sarah Brightman - I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday
Lorrie Morgan - Blue Snowfall
Michael W. Smith - Christmas Angels
Enya - O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Martina McBride - Away In The Manger
Deni Bonet - Its You And Me This Christmas
Kristin Chenoweth - Born On Christmas Day
Brad Paisley - Penguin, James Penguin
Keri Noble - Santa, You Owe Me
SheDaisy - The Secret Of Christmas
Coko - Holy
Sugarland - Little Wood Guitar
Faith Hill- What Child Is This
Elvis Costello - There Are Much Worse Things To Believe In
Lady Antebellum - Baby Its Cold Outside
Eoin Harrington - O Holy Night

Comment w/your email if you'd like a copy. This is the mix CD I made for about 8 people this year.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Getting A Little Vacation

Next week I only have to work Monday and Tuesday. Woo Hoo!! Mind you I'm only getting paid for a few of those days, but at this point I really don't care. I need the time off to relax and enjoy the holiday.

I'm so excited about this.

I'm going to try to blog too. I really don't want to break from blogging. The problem is, right now I really don't have a lot to say. I may do a round up of my favorite things from 2008 if I can find some.

All I can say is, I hope that 2009 is much better than 2008

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Taking A Bloggie Break

I think I may be taking a few days off from blogging, just to get my shit together, so to speak.

I have nothing interesting to say.

I will still participate in the meme on Friday etc.

I'm just not sure if I'll be doing regular blogging here for the next week or so. I'll know better this afternoon. I have another doctor's appointment.

Much love to all of you.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Closer To Christmas

I still feel like I haven't gotten a damn thing done. Except the shopping. The house is a mess, though the tree is up. Presents are bought, but nothing is ready to be wrapped and some of the presents haven't arrived yet via the mail.

I'm just not ready for Christmas this year.

I didn't even do my Advent song calender here, and that makes me kinda sad. It's something I loved doing, but I'm just not into it right now.

I'm still considering an anti-depressant, because I know my mind is just working overtime on the worry. I hate that. I don't like being this way.

I feel a twinge of pain and I'm sure I'm about to die.

Nevermind that last week I had a UTI that made me miss work for about a day and a half and now my wisdom tooth is giving me hell.

I feel like I'm falling apart.

GAH!

And Christmas is right around the damn corner!!!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Christmas Shopping DONE!!

Well all but the few people that get gift cards.

Everyone has a present now!

Rejoice!

Now if I could start to feel totally human I would be in great shape.

My dad is getting a new coat.

Brother's wife a pretty sweater.

Sister and nephew's CDs.

Friends books and gift cards.

Mix CDs for the holiday are ready to be mailed. Also if you want a download of my Christmas mix (since I'm not sending out as many this year) please comment here and I'll post the mix.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Dejunking & Feeling Almost Human

I was on Bactrim for 3 days and called the doctor on the second because it didn't seem to be clearing up the UTI and I only had 2 pills left. I took the second to the last pill before the doc had called in a prescription for Cipro. He said to discontinue Bactrim and take the Cipro, but I thought the Bactrim had worked so I finished the course.

I think I have to take the damn Cipro now.

On a plus I managed to start cleaning today. I got rid of 2 bags of clothes and several bags of garbage. So that's a big Woo Hoo. I'm hoping to get rid of some more stuff today too. I feel bad that I've tossed old 45's but there's just no room for them and well, the dust covers have been attacked by the kittens over the last few months.

Still its a definite improvement. I did something! Woo Hoo!

Now if only I could start feeling human again. Or perhaps get the damn Christmas tree up, I'd be in really good shape!

Friday, December 12, 2008

Top 5 On Friday - Week 203

From Music Memoirs

Top 5 Non-Traditional Christmas Songs

1. Jill Sobule - Merry Christmas From The Family
This is a cover version, but I love hers best. Its the funniest song ever and well, who doesn't feel that this sums up their family at the holiday?

2. The Moody Blues - Don't Need A Reindeer
Best HOLIDAY SONG EVAH! Nuff said.

3. Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmastime
So annoying and yet I love it so.

4. The Moody Blues - Yes, I Believe
Another beautiful song by Justin Hayward from the December album, which everyone should own.

5. Elvis Costello - St Stephen's Day Murders
Oh yeah...you've got to hear this one!!

Just a note, I hate Lennon's Happy Xmas with a passion that cannot be describe.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Nothing To See Here

I just don't feel good right now. There's no point in blogging on a day like this. I can't entertain you. The UTI is acting up and I'm considering calling the doc again about a different anti-depressant, but I don't know if I can handle the first week's side effects. Insomnia makes me very antsy and that seems to be the side effect that comes with all of them.

So don't mind me, I'm going to spend today trying to feel better.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

I Started A Book Yesterday

This is a huge accomplishment for me. I'm reading Debbie Macomber's A Good Yarn. It's a lovely bit of fluff and its keeping me entertained. I haven't done much reading in the last few months, due to my nerves.

I decided yesterday I was not going to take the Celexa anymore and after reading some of the side effects of Paxil, I said no to that too. I would rather try to deal with my anxiety on my own. Even if it means me being a bit batshit insane.

The reading is helping a bit. Its made better because its a good story and not too heavy on the brain.

It also kept my mind off the fact that I have a UTI.

Oye.

I'm just batting a thousand with issues right now.

The only plus is that I slept last night which was wonderful. Insomnia is just something I can't live with.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

I think Im done with Celexa

I swear I've had every side effect this drug can produce in the last two days. I think I'm calling the doctor today to see if I can stop taking this. I almost feel worse than I did before taking the Celexa.

I'm not sure feeling less anxious is worth the way I'm feeling right now. I don't like sleepless night one iota. I don't like feeling like I've got a UTI coming on (TMI I Know)

I think I'd rather somehow deal with the mess my life has become than this.

I feel spaced out and woozy.

Not fun at all.

I apologize that I probably won't be around to everyone's blog today but I need to catch naps where I can. Stupid freaking pill.

Monday, December 08, 2008

Little By Little

I brought a few more things up from Grandma's house yesterday. We're still finding more and more cards that were sent to her over the years. Birthday, Valentine's Day, Christmas etc. She kept each and every one it seemed.

Its funny, most of us throw those things out after a week or two, but not my gran. She has a house full of them.

I guess she wanted to remember everyone who loved her and cared enough to get her cards.

It made me feel bad that I never put that much store in cards. I always thought that just saying I love you was enough. I always found for me, that cards don't say what I want them to, they say what you think the person wants to hear, and that always came off as insincere to me.

All of this makes me hope she knew just how very much I love her and god, I miss her terribly.

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Part Of The Christmas Shopping Done

This week I've bought presents for my brother, several friends and I've burned the Christmas Mix CD for 4 people. I still have 4 more to burn, but they are for people that I'm mailing presents too.

Woot!

I'm accomplishing things!

I've also got a lot of the Christmas food shopping done. There are still some things we need to get, like a turkey breast and stuff for cookies, but I bought the ham and chicken today as well as some of the stuff for the relish trays.

This is pretty good, since I'm still feeling like crap. I can't begin to tell you what's gone through my mind in the last few weeks. You'll think I'm crazy. OK, most of you know that I'm crazy, but if I told you any more you'd definitely be reaffirmed.

At least I am getting stuff done. That's good, right?

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Celexa = Sleepy

Took my first dose today and wooo....sleepy. I've managed to stay awake, but I'm not really sure how I'm doing it. Pure willpower I think. I'd drink some coffee but I don't want to go back on caffeine. I've pretty much been free of that since the end of October.

There's no winning with me right now.

Friday, December 05, 2008

Top 5 On Friday - Week 202

From Music Memoirs

Top 5 Classic Rock Albums

1. The Beatles - Rubber Soul



2. The Moody Blues - Seventh Sojourn



3. Pink Floyd - The Wall



4. George Harrison - All Things Must Pass



5. The Rolling Stones - Let It Bleed

Thursday, December 04, 2008

Back From The Doctor's

Well my blood pressure was 116 over 80 which is good. My pulse was good, or so the nurse said. I'm scheduled for blood work to check for thyroid, diabetes and cholesterol which are all in my family.

I have a month's worth of samples of Celexa which the doc wants to try me on and I have to go back in 5 weeks.

I'm kinda scared of the medication, but if it will help me to return to my normal self I'm more than happy to try it.

Here's hoping I survive getting the blood work in the coming weeks. (And the gyne part of the next exam)

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Tomorrow Is My Physical

I'm so damned scared of going to the doctor that its crazy. I've worked myself into a tizzy. I don't stay online much because its not fun for me anymore. I'm hoping my doctor can help me sort out my head which has totally taken control in a not so nice way.

I just can't handle things anymore and everything is scaring me. Most of you know that the floaters bother me to no end. They still do, and I know that I should be coping with them better. I just can't. I just keep thinking what if they get worse, how will I deal with that. Then there are so many other things.

I feel stifled. I haven't been to the gym since my fall simply because I'm scared to go, because I don't want to hurt myself.

Yes, this makes no sense. I know that. But it doesn't stop my mind from going off on these tangents. I don't like being alone right now, which makes my job terrible as 99.9% of the time I'm there by myself, ok with a dog.

Just forgive me for not being myself. I'm hoping tomorrow the doc can give me some advice of who to talk to or whatnot to make me start to feel better.

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

Tuesday Tunes - Week 60

From Music Memoirs

Recommend to all the other players this week, one song, album and band that you think that they should take notice of

The Band:

The Brilliant Mistakes are an indie band out of NYC. Their name is taken from an Elvis Costello song, which is reason enough for me to love them, but their music is just as awesome. Go to their website and check them out. There are free mp3s there too!

The Album:

Sugarland - Love On The Inside


There's a reason these guys keep picking up awards. Yes, they are country, but they are good too.

The Song:

Deni Bonet - It's You And Me This Christmas

Go to Deni's website and give the song a listen! I promise you, you won't regret it.

Monday, December 01, 2008

Monday Monday

Back to work after 4 blissful (or something like that) days off.

Blergh.

I was getting spoiled. Those 4 days were almost like a vacation. I don't usually have that many days off in a row.

But its back to the weird grind in which I exist in.

And now I have to start the task of compiling the Christmas mix, which will be posted here. I'm not going to be mailing as many this year as I don't have a lot of extra money, so if you can't download and usually get a Christmas Mix CD card from me, comment or email me, so I can make one for you.

I also have interview questions to come up with for a feature on that LJ music page I write for. I had intended to get it done yesterday, but I was totally bit by the lazy bug.

Ah well, back to normal life, or something close to it.