Happy Halloween Mix

Artist: Various Artists Album: Elfsult's Trick Or Treat Mini Mix (51 MB) Genre: Mixtape Sounds Like: Songs about treats and one spooky thing Tracklisting: Roxette - Real Sugar Julia Fordham - Sugar Madonna - Candy Store Mika - Lollipop Elvis Costello - So Like Candy Neil Diamond - One More Bite Of The Apple Bow Wow Wow - I Want Candy Siouxsie & The Banshees - Candyman Mary Lou Lord & Dan Wilson - Sugar Sugar Michael Jackson - Thriller Rhett Miller - Candy Apple Corkscrew Hair

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Here's Chester

Top 5 On Friday

Top 5 artists you'd like to dress up as for Halloween. (Feel free to tell us why)

You guys know the drill. Play along in the comments or in your journal. This meme is created for my site Music Memoirs. Feel free to go there and check out my other weekly memes and play along.

1. Madonna - Open Your Heart outfit: Yeah, I want to dress like Maddy doing the gold cone bra thing! That outfit was so awful and yet so amusing! It would make for a very cold Halloween though.

2. Cyndi Lauper - the early days: I want the really crazy clothes...

Like the crazy outfit in this video



3. Lady Gaga: Doesn't matter what outfit...she is a walking Halloween costume!!

4. Nancy Sinatra: A'la These Boots video. Totally awesome!!

5. Siouxsie Sioux - I've always loved her goth look. I wouldn't mind to go for her look in the Face To Face video either.

I've Lost Interest

For the last few seasons, Big Bang Theory was one of my favorite shows. I watched it loyally every Monday night.

Well this season saw the show shift to Thursday Nights and it isn't as funny.

The nerds/geeks all have girlfriends now...except Raj, because he can't talk to women. Yes, even Sheldon has a sort of girlfriend!

These developments kind of take the fun out of the show, but then again how much can you write about 4 geeks trying to ....well... trying to get laid. Your possibilities aren't that endless before the funny starts to disappear or the same old gags start to get old.

In my opinion, which is often arrogant, the gags have already gotten old. They've had to take the focus off Leonard, because he was the most normal nerd, and put it on Sheldon, because Jim Parsons' character was the best, however, trying to give him a love interest, just doesn't work well for the show.

I really don't know why I bother watching anymore, except that its habit and I want to remember to watch Bleep My Dad Says...a show that is actually really freaking funny.

Things I Need To Get Caught Up On

~ Laundry: Mount Laundry is once again growing too high. Must get a load done or I'll be walking around nekkid and no one wants to see that!

~ One more CD review to do. Why did I take on this job? I used to love listening to music, now its a job and no fun.

~ Exercise: I took yesterday off to take my sister's cat to the vet to get the stitches from her spay taken out...mind you, kitty already did this..but I still had to take her so they could look at the area. Oye and vey.

~ Certain TV shows..I need to somehow catch up on The Sarah Jane Adventures...uh like 2 seasons worth of catching up! Oh lordy.

~ Cleaning: this is always a given. I hate cleaning.

None Of The Above

I'm so sick of politicians and political ads etc.

If you look at all the people running, its not a choice of who is better, but who is the lesser of two evils. I think that's a sad sorry situation for this country to be in.

And don't get me started on the Tea Party.

I have two words for them: Fucking Scary!

I'd like to go "tea party" on them and drop them in Boston Harbor...or the Monongahela River, as the case may be.  Thank God, PA doesn't have any TP-ers running for office here.

I'm also sick of people saying..I'm pro-life and pro-gun.

WTF!

If you are pro-life...being pro-gun is kind of hypocritical. But that's a rant for another day.

I don't pretend to even try to understand half of what goes on in Washington, but I do know this, anyone that thinks any of those idjits are working for the good of the people, needs to wake up and smell the doggy poo.

Monday Giggles!

Sometimes It Sucks Being Nice

I have to be awake an extra half hour early again tomorrow. I'm really not loving the whole, take my sister to work thing.

I like being lazy in the morning, even on work days.

I hate running around to get things

I also hate having no time in the evenings.

I'm cranky when my time is taken away from me. I also hate when I feel like my work out time is ruining my day, especially as I love my gym.

Grrr.

Finally Went ToThe Tanger Outlets

The Tanger Outlets have been open for about 2 years now, and even though I'm a shopaholic, I've never been there. Until today!!

I have to say this was one of the nicest outlet malls I've ever been to.

However, this really isn't an outlet, but more an outside mall.

Very few of the stores really had any good sales, but I have to say I was drooling on some gorgeous sweaters in The Dress Barn and Izod.

I laughed hysterically at the Off Fifth Avenue shop. The only thing I could remotely afford would have been a bag of Godiva chocolate and even that was pushing it.

My favorite stores were Harry & David, The Gourmet Chef and Fudgie Wudgie.

Yeah, the food stores.

Why were they favorites?

Samples!

Far be it from me to turn down, free delicious noms!

I wonder how the place will look at Christmastime? Oh and its on a huge hill, so I pity the folks that have to drive there in the snow!!

Top 5 On Friday

Top 5 mood altering songs
~ feel free to tell us what way these songs affect your mood


You guys know the drill. Play along in the comments or in your journal. This meme is created for my site Music Memoirs. Feel free to go there and check out my other weekly memes and play along.

1. Mika - We Are Golden: I love all things Mika and this song and most of The Boy Who Knew Too Much can lift my mood to dazzling heights. I don't think I've ever heard songs that make me feel this happy...except maybe for Lollipop from his first album.

2. Mike and the Mechanics - The Living Years:  This song depresses the hell out of me. It always has, and always will.  I think it comes with having parents that are older. I've always worried about one of them passing. To have that happen and not be on good speaking terms would be horrible.

3. Art Garfunkel - Bright Eyes: This song is beautiful, but its about death, therefore it sucks the happy out of me every time.

4. Erasure - I Love Saturday: 3 words for you, Shiny Happy Music!!!!

5. The Moody Blues - Don't Need A Reindeer: Any time I hear this song I smile. It could be  95 degrees outside and July and I would still smile through this track

Can't Wait Til Next Summer

The Pittsburgh CLO has announced its Summer 2011 schedule and its a to die for list of shows.

9 to 5
Jekyll & Hyde
Love Changes Everything (An Andrew Lloyd Webber Song & Dance)
The Sound Of Music
Jesus Christ Superstar

WICKED!!

I'm trying to figure out how in the name of god I'm going to be able to see any of them. Thankfully I don't have to worry about it now, but it is something I want to save for, because I'd like to see most of these shows and I'll have to pick which ones or one I really want to see. Right now I'm leaning towards 9 to 5 and Wicked. I haven't been to a musical in quite awhile, I think Avenue Q was my last show, because I simply can't afford it.

I guess we'll see.

When It Rains

~ Big sis's car is dead, AGAIN. I have to take her to work because her estranged one goes to work at o'dark thirty. I at least get breakfast out of the deal.

~ My computer at work is on the fritz. I thought it was totally dead, but thank god, it was just the keyboard. I had to switch keyboard between the two computers all day to get my work done. Not fun.

~ As much as I hate to say it, I think I need another blizzard to be able to get things done at home. Between going to the Y to exercise and doing the shopping etc, I have no time to get things done. I need some time to get my shit together, so to speak, and I just don't know when this is going to happen.

I need to learn time management! Or I need to stop reading and piddling on the computer.

Fat chance of either of those happening.

A Change Is A Comin'

My youngest nephew is off to college today and I'm feeling blue. He was born when I was a senior in high school and right now I'm feeling old.

Like my other nephew, Raymond, we've become close. I've taken him on trips and outings and whatnot, and it just makes me feel sad to know he's all grown up and leaving the nest of his family.

I can only wish him luck on his journey through high education and hope that he does well and when he finishes, finds a good job doing something he enjoys doing, which is more than I can say for myself.

I'm glad his school is close by, so that he can come home when the mood strikes him, while still giving him the independence he needs.

Still, I feel like an old lady who hasn't accomplished much with my life in 36 years. I guess that's what change does to people..it makes you question your life and decisions.

This will take some getting used to.

This Isn't My Day

I'm having a case of the Mondays.

I've been given a CD to review that really isn't my thing and I'm trying to review it objectively. Its not an easy listen. I'm trying to figure out if it is bad or just weird.

Wanted to get laundry done, but spent an hour making dumplings for dinner.

Mt Laundry will have to wait another day.

And we won't even discuss the scale. I'm beginning to wonder why I exercise, because the scale is going in the opposite direction. WTF is up with that.

I think it is all the stress in my life right now. It doesn't seem to want to go away either. I would kill for a nice long soothing bath...but wait...we have plumbing issues with our tub that would cost thousands to fix...So shower it is.

Grrr.

I need to start playing the lottery. No wait..you need to have money to do that.

Kellogg's Is Creeping Me Out

Have any of  you paid attention to the latest Kellogg's commercial? Have you heard the song they are using in it?

OMG it is Yummy Yummy Yummy, that horrid Ohio Express song from way back when.

The little kids now have love in their tummies.

Uh, that is so very wrong!!

The song itself is wrong on so many levels.

1. It is the worst bubblegum song EVER!!

2. It is also the worse earworm EVER!!

3. There's only one way I can think of that anyone can get love in their tummies and well..I don't want to explain that to a 5 year old.

Please make this commercial go away. It was bad enough when I heard this song on The Pickle, now it is on my telly daily!!!!

Explain This To Me

I have an album review that I'm working on and I really love the disc. I've been listening to it for the last two days, but for some reason, I can't come up with anything intelligent to say about it.

Quite frankly it is driving me insane.

Oh and did I mention the review has to be 600 words long.

I'm about to run screaming from the room and I'm going to toss my Zen out the window. So far my word count is under 200.

GAH!!!

This is just not my day.

I've turned out 2 reviews this week for albums I wanted to review and those I wrote with great ease.

Go figure, the one I'm getting paid for, just won't come to me.

Busy Busy Busy

This weekend is going to be all about getting things done. I have 2 reviews to write for my freelance job and I'd like to have them done and on my editor's desk by Monday or Tuesday.

The house needs a good cleaning and I need to get to the gym as well. I hate when I'm off my schedule at the Y. I can make 5 or 6 days of exercise there without a problem. Yes, I enjoy it that much!

I'd also like to get some stuff ready to go to Goodwill. Its been a few weeks since I've been there. I don't have any money to browse the store, but I can drop off some books there too.

I hope I can get part of this done. I'm lousy with to do lists of any sort. If anything gets done, I hope it is the reviews. I need the money now more than anything.

Bills to pay ya know.

Blech!

Top 5 On Friday

From Music Memoirs


Top 5 artists to listen to while you exercise

1. Erasure: This is shiny happy music that keeps my butt moving.
2. Mika: Again shiny happy bouncy music.
3. Cyndi Lauper: Except Time After Time...you just can't get your groove on to that song!
4. Madonna: Not my favorite music to listen to at times, but when working out, Madonna is usually a good choice.
5. Lady Gaga: Not too keen on her, but when running or trying to get moving, she's very effective.

Just an FYI...never listen to Elvis Costello's North while running or just about anything from The Moody Blues' Core 7, beautiful though it is, it won't work for exercise!

Happy Birthday Justin Hayward

I know I'm very late at posting this but it would be wrong to let this day go by without giving him a mention.

Happy Birthday Justiny Poo!

Dreaming Of Gordon

I was dreaming about Gordon Lightfoot last night. I guess it was because I had mentioned to my mother the other day that he has a birthday coming up in a month.

Gordon will be 72 on November 17.

This will also mark the 35th anniversary of the Edmund Fitzgerald tragedy. That happened on November 10, 1975.

I guess with all of this floating around in my brain, and my love for Mr. Lightfoot and his music, I just came up with an interesting little fantasy.

Not to worry people! I wasn't doing anything kinky with Mr. Lightfoot! He's a little bit too old for me! Though if I were my mom's age, I'd think he was pretty sexy. Plus he has such a great attitude towards his fans.

So yeah,  I was dreaming about another Lightfoot concert...who wouldn't? The man puts on a fantastic show!

Tomorrow Is Back To The Grind

I don't want to go back to work!

The weekend was so nice and full of fun that it is a shame to ruin it by going back to work, but I guess all good things really do must come to an end.

Today the nephew and I went to Triple B Farms for their fall festival. We walked through the storybook characters of pumpkins, the big blue boo barn and went on a hayride. We also picked a half peck of apples and had a lovely lunch of hot dogs, cheese fries and cider.

A good time was definitely had by all.

I actually took more photos today than I did in OH on Saturday, but that was because I had more time today than Saturday. Saturday was more running around trying to get everything done in the small amount of time we had. Still it was great fun and I enjoyed my weekend.

Now its time to go back to work.

BAH!

I Didn't Want To Come Back

Ohio was so beautiful yesterday and there was so much I would have loved to have seen and done, but our time was short. Thank god it was a beautiful day!

It was also an easy drive that I know I could do if I ever felt so disposed.

So do you want to see my pictures?

I know you do?

Here they are!!

Observations From My Trip

~ At 36 I was the youngest person on the bus trip to Berlin, OH.

~ No matter what anyone tells you, the Ohio Amish are just as commercialized as those in Lancaster County, PA.

~ Heini's Cheese Factory rocks my world..and I just like to say Heini!

~ Breitenbach Winery is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

~ I still think Good N' Plenty in Smoketown, PA makes the best chicken, with Hartville Kitchen in Hartville, OH coming in a close second.

~ Sitting on a bus for 5 hours out of the day is murder on the legs, but so is driving, and I didn't have to pay for gas or drive so YAY!

~ Berlin, OH is a gorgeous little town.

Top 5 On Friday

Top 5 songs with names in the title


You guys know the drill. Play along in the comments or in your journal. This meme is created for my site Music Memoirs. Feel free to go there and check out my other weekly memes and play along.

1. The Monkees - Mary, Mary
2. The Beatles - Julia
3. Paul McCartney & Wings - Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey
4. Cheap Trick - O Caroline
5. Elvis Costello - Veronica

I have to say, Veronica was the first Elvis Costello song that I ever truly loved.  What songs would you pick?

Saturday's Ohio!!

I just need to get through one more long day and I'll be on my way for a day trip to Amish country in Ohio! I absolutely can't wait. Good food, good shopping and I'm away from home from 7 am til 9 pm.

Really it doesn't get much better than that!

Here are some of the places I'll be visiting on Saturday

Heini's Cheese Chalet (I know Mike will have something to say about this)

Breitenbach Wine Cellars  In the last few weeks I've accumulated a lot of wine...I think it is soon going to be time to drink it!!

Dutch Valley Restaurant Ok...I know this sounds weird, but I want a mustard egg.

We'll also be stopping at an Amish Flea Market and the town of Berlin for some shopping.

I can't wait!

Three Little Words

I Need SLEEP!!!!!


And no matter what I try to do, I just can't get any.

Most of the time I blame John Stewart and Steve Colbert for my sleeplessness. The rest of the time I blame Sarah Palin and her freaking Tea Party.

How can anyone sleep with that woman and her crazy bunch of assholes on the loose?

How can anyone vote for any of these people!!!!

AGH!

It makes my head want to explode!

The Tea Party makes the regular Republican's look FANFUCKINGTASTIC!  These people take crazy to a new level and every day you hear more of their craziness!!

It is no wonder I can't sleep!

Tuesday Tunes: Week 152

From Music Memoirs

1. What is your favorite music video? The Moody Blues - Your Wildest Dreams: This video has always been my favorite. Sure there are other great videos, but none as wonderful as this one for me.



2. Do you think that videos are as important today as they were when Mtv started out?
No, not at all, at least not in the way that videos were in the 80s. I find it hard to believe that artists still spend hundreds of thousands and even millions of dollars on them. Mtv seldom plays videos these days and most video viewing is done on a PC. Somehow that doesn't really seem to make watching them feel all that fun anymore.

3. In your opinion, which artist consistently does or did the best videos?
Hands down, Madonna. Say what you will about her music but her videos have always been talked about. I'm sure if she lasts Lady Gaga can be included, but right now, Madge is the woman to beat. You can't take away all the talk and controversy over the videos for Like A Prayer,  Justify My Love and Open Your Heart.

Plus how many women can get away with wearing their underwear as outerwear? Madonna made it cool, even if it became obnoxious.

Today I Could Eat The World

You know it isn't good to have these kinds of days when you are trying to lose weight.

Today was one of those days where I felt like I ate anything that wasn't nailed down.

No joke!

Pulled Pork sandwich...cheese crackers....granola bar...soup...the joke of the matter is the slimfast shake I had for breakfast.

Usually when I drink one of those, it keeps me full, but not today.

I'm a one woman garbage disposal!!

Wow! It Sure Is Cold

Just like that! The warm temperatures are gone and the chilly autumn wind blows in.

BRRRR.

My blue fuzzy robe is out and my long socks are on my feet to keep me warm.

Sometimes its amazing to me how fast the seasons change in SW Pennsylvania.

One minute its sweltering and the next its freezing.

At least it isn't snowing yet.

But I'll not say the "S" word again, for fear we repeat the Snowmageddon of last year.

Brrrrr.

One year like that every 10 years is too much!

My Day In Short

~ Had breakfast @ Subway.

~ Went to the Y and worked out.

~ Went to Trax Farms; bought apples and wine.

~ Went to several book stores...

~ Went to eat @ Houlihan's and had a lambic beer @ Barley and Hops.

My friends, life is sometimes very good. Today was one of those days.

Photos Of All Fids #2

There's a new meme in town! This one is called Photos Of All Fids

This is where we share pictures of our "furry kids"

This week I'm going to share my favorite "baby pictures"


Miss Callie and the kittens (I can't believe they are 2 years old now)




This is a baby picture of Skimble Shanks, KitKat and Coco.



Coco passed away last year, the day after Christmas for no reason. Just seeing this picture makes me cry. I love my babies, and losing her was really like losing a child. I was there with Miss Callie when she gave birth to them and I helped her take each little girl out of their sacks. I still think it was terribly unfair of the higher power to take her away from us. She was such a sweet little girl.



This is Mr. Oogie before we decided to take him in. He was the neighbor's kitten, but they didn't take care of them, and all of his siblings were hit by cars. Some driven by the owner. I'm glad I smuggled him into our house. He's 5 years old now and the sweetest cat.

I hope you enjoyed my trip down memory lane. I'm going to wipe the tears away now and give my kitties some hugs.

Next week, I'll show you my little furry doggy.

Top 5 On Friday

Top 5 songs that are considered "classics"


You guys know the drill. Play along in the comments or in your journal. This meme is created for my site Music Memoirs. Feel free to go there and check out my other weekly memes and play along.

I'm going to leave out a lot of the obvious here like songs from The Beatles etc.

1. Elvis Costello - Alison: This may not be my favorite EC song, but it definitely one that you've heard at least once..this and Veronica. Hmmm EC has a thing with girl's names!

2. The Moody Blues - Your Wildest Dreams: I'd never say Nights In White Satin, as I despise that song. It is a classic but not in my top 5 favorites of anything..maybe most annoying..but back to Your Wildest Dreams.  This song brought the band notice in the 80s when a lot of their contemporaries were making comebacks and it did well for them. It also had the best video ever.

3. Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me: Yes! Hair bands can make some classic songs!!

4. Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf: I still want to know where Simon came up with the lyric, "I smell like I sound!" Uh Simon...I hope you thought you sounded sexy...but...I'm hear to inform you,  you didn't, but the song is still cool.

5. Nick Lowe - Cruel To Be Kind: Power pop genius, nuff said