Miraculously, I have been able to get out and run, not once, but twice this weekend. Sure, it was cold (27 degrees brrrrr) but to get out and get some fresh air on a sunny, albeit chilly Saturday in February is altogether something special. I bundled up the layers, charged up the IPOD and headed out. So, while I was ambling through Bowdoinham, I got to thinking about the songs on my ipod. Those of you who spend time on Facebook know that I have already declared "It Takes Two" by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock one of the greatest running songs of all time. But, there's more to the story. When you think of it, the songs on the ipod are the soundtrack of your life. There are tunes that bring you right back to a certain place and time as if it were yesterday. I have had the chance to glance at other people's Ipods and it never ceases to amaze me what an eclectic mix of music most people have. I love seeing someone who has a playlist with Megadeth and Manilow back to back. That's my kinda music fan. Anyone who can appreciate Guns and Roses along with Neil Diamond gets the point of the music. It's about place and time. A memory of something great, or horrible, or romantic or heartbreaking. Whatever it is, the song always takes us back. Armed with this self realization (all in a 45 minute run) I came back and immediately started to think of what my soundtrack would be. If they ever decided to produce, "Jill Parker, the Musical" what songs would be on the soundtrack? Here's what I came up with.
1. Crocodile Rock--I remember hearing this song as a kid and thinking it was really cool. (Age 6--just figuring out what Music could do)
2. The Night Chicago Died--It was on a K-Tel "Believe in Music" Album my parents had and I loved it! (Age 10)
3. You Shook Me All Night Long--My first real makeout session was to this song, with Scott Evans at Shelley Wolfe's Birthday Party. No offense to Dr. Evans, but he was a sloppy kisser. (Age 12)
4. This Christmas I Spend with You- This was a Robert Goulet song on the greatest Holiday Album ever. (This is the soundtrack to every christmas of my childhood)
5. Wide Awake in America by U2- Shelffo and I listened to this song every morning in the skyfart on the way to High School
6. Sweet Caroline- Sung way too many drunken nights in College at Maggie's Bar at Syracuse. Explains why I never finished.
7. Island by Jimmy Buffett- I spent the summers after college at "Great Woods" in Massachusetts for the Annual Labor Day Weekend Show
8. Friends in Low Places- This kind of explains my first marriage
9. At Last- This really explains my second marriage (and it was my wedding song)
10. Start the Commotion by the WiseGuys--This was the pinnacle of my Beach 2 Beacon Playlist when I ran my first 10K and proved that I could be a runner
11. Everything- By Michael Buble--Says it all about where I am in my relationship with my husband
12. AM Radio by Everclear--A favorite sing along song for the Parker's (my kids love this song, especially my five year old.)
13. Don't Worry Bout a Thing--By Shedaisy. This is the quintissential song for my life right now.
So how bout you? What's on your playlist? Is it the soundtrack to your life? Mine sure is.
Come to think of it, I think there's a few others I need to download.
J
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
It's 7:30 on a Friday Night.......
I was just on facebook, chatting with a few folks. Caught up with an old friend a bit. Checking out some new pictures someone posted. Then I noticed that under the "What are you doing right now?" question, a friend had posted..."I am ready for bed at 7:30 on a FridayNight" or something to that effect. Within minutes, three other women, all working moms chimed in with "I hear you" and "I Know, I'm exhausted too." It's amazing that the first woman made one comment and instantly, we had a Quorum. Ya know why? Because we are all freaking pooped. Sleep is now a premium and without the requisite number of hours, we just struggle to function. We struggle, but we do it.
But remember when........
We used to be cool and hip, drinking cosmos with our girlfriends on a Friday night. Now we are lucky if we down a Mich Ultra with our leftover mac and cheese right out of the pan.
What the hell happened? How did we let ourselves get this way? I'll tell ya how. It's those damn kids. They suck the energy right out of you. It's a constant barrage of "Mama, can I have" It's dishes in the sink. It's somebody feed the dog. It's where the heck's my permission slip. All of that is exhausting. Throw on top of that some gainful employment outside the home and lord help me.
But, to be honest, we wouldn't trade it for anything. What we gave up in happy hours at some club, we make up for in happy hours at the school play, or playing super mario Kart on game cube. Still, once in a while, it would be nice if we could stay up past 8 on a Friday night and maybe have a cosmo or two with the girls. I think I need to make that a goal. Whose with me?
But remember when........
We used to be cool and hip, drinking cosmos with our girlfriends on a Friday night. Now we are lucky if we down a Mich Ultra with our leftover mac and cheese right out of the pan.
What the hell happened? How did we let ourselves get this way? I'll tell ya how. It's those damn kids. They suck the energy right out of you. It's a constant barrage of "Mama, can I have" It's dishes in the sink. It's somebody feed the dog. It's where the heck's my permission slip. All of that is exhausting. Throw on top of that some gainful employment outside the home and lord help me.
But, to be honest, we wouldn't trade it for anything. What we gave up in happy hours at some club, we make up for in happy hours at the school play, or playing super mario Kart on game cube. Still, once in a while, it would be nice if we could stay up past 8 on a Friday night and maybe have a cosmo or two with the girls. I think I need to make that a goal. Whose with me?
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Valentine's Day
So, the V-Day holiday is upon us and that is always a big bone of contention in the Parker house. Why? Why, when two people are so clearly madly in love would a romantic holiday such as this one cause such stress and strife you ask? Well, that's a hard question to answer. You see, I love holidays like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day, Birthdays, Arbor Day, Secretary's Day, Sweetest Day etc. I love any excuse to tell the people you care about, just how much you care about them. I am one of those people who loves to see the look on someone's face when they read a card or receive a gift that comes from the heart. It gives me a lot of joy. I also like when people are surprised by a small token that happens on these types of special days. For example, I just finished writing out "Spongebob Squarepants" Valentine Cards for all the people at the office. I am sure the VP of Accounting is going to love her card and candy "crabby patty." And when your in your 30's and 40's you probably don't get too many valentines so I am hoping it brings a smile to people's faces in an otherwise dreary day. (and believe me we have had some dreary ones lately. )
So what's Marker Parker's problem with the Valentine's Day Holiday? I believe it's a combination of things. First, there is the fiscal aspect. A dozen roses for your beautiful and enchanting wife will cost you about 30 bucks any day of the year, but in the run up to cupid's day, they jack up the price about 200%. And you all know my man is extraordinarily cheap so it's tough for him to pull the trigger on such a frivolous expense. Second, I think he gets jammed up by the expectation. It's one of those Hallmark holidays that marketers create in order to create expectation among women and force men to buy cards, chocolate and flowers. Third and finally, he doesn't like to be told he has to do anything, so this massive ridiculous marketing guilt barrage that he receives from television, radio, my kids and maybe me just makes him want to dig his heels in even further.
But here's the rub. I love cards and flowers and thoughtful notes and romance and all that silly girly stuff. And it really doesn't have to happen on this particular day. So I could get on board with his position on this holiday if perhaps I was receiving flowers, cards, a tic tac or something on other days of the year, but that's not really his thing either. So, here we sit.....the dreaded holiday is upon us.
And, I for one am going to celebrate. Celebrate my friendships, my marriage, my family etc. And for the first time, I am letting Mark off the hook. It's not about this day. It's about every day. And I love him more every day. (just pick me a daisy once in awhile ok?) Besides, I am on weight watchers and I can't eat chocolate anyway.
So what's Marker Parker's problem with the Valentine's Day Holiday? I believe it's a combination of things. First, there is the fiscal aspect. A dozen roses for your beautiful and enchanting wife will cost you about 30 bucks any day of the year, but in the run up to cupid's day, they jack up the price about 200%. And you all know my man is extraordinarily cheap so it's tough for him to pull the trigger on such a frivolous expense. Second, I think he gets jammed up by the expectation. It's one of those Hallmark holidays that marketers create in order to create expectation among women and force men to buy cards, chocolate and flowers. Third and finally, he doesn't like to be told he has to do anything, so this massive ridiculous marketing guilt barrage that he receives from television, radio, my kids and maybe me just makes him want to dig his heels in even further.
But here's the rub. I love cards and flowers and thoughtful notes and romance and all that silly girly stuff. And it really doesn't have to happen on this particular day. So I could get on board with his position on this holiday if perhaps I was receiving flowers, cards, a tic tac or something on other days of the year, but that's not really his thing either. So, here we sit.....the dreaded holiday is upon us.
And, I for one am going to celebrate. Celebrate my friendships, my marriage, my family etc. And for the first time, I am letting Mark off the hook. It's not about this day. It's about every day. And I love him more every day. (just pick me a daisy once in awhile ok?) Besides, I am on weight watchers and I can't eat chocolate anyway.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
I am finally starting to feel better. My husband fired up the humidifier in our room last night and it was downright tropical in our bedroom. I felt like I was in the Congo or something, but, it surely worked because the congestion seems to be clearing and I can finally hold my head up for longer than a few minutes. Thank Goodness! So, on to other things. Since I had to "take to my bed" due to illness ,I have been unable to train. And though I have missed the treadmill greatly (not!) I have had plenty of quality time with my good friend, FACEBOOK. After wasting hours on this thing for the last several days, I can truly say that FACEBOOK really does bring people together in so many ways. I have outlined some of them for you here so you can see how wonderful (and miraculously random) Facebook is....
1. I have started up a wonderful renewed friendship with one of my dear friends from high school who has long sinced moved south the warmer weather (bitch.) But seriously, it's amazing how much we still have in common since we have both changed so much. We share a love of distance running, family and the tv show, "Intervention" Weird
2. I now talk to my brother more than I ever did before. We never speak on the phone (i hate the telephone) so we only catch up when we get together at Jer and Ar's for holidays and such. Now I know what he's doing most weekends and I get to see pictures of his adorable kids on a regular basis "BONUS"
3. I have connected with many old high school friends and some of their memories make me chuckle. For instance, one of my jr. high boyfriends was kind enough to remind me of the time that he "felt me up" in the 7th grade. Now that's just a hoot.
4. I have found other common ground as well. I have joined some great Facebook groups such as the "Moms who sometimes have to go out with their girlfriends and drink Secret Society" and the "I'm addicted Intervention" group. How fabulous is that?
5. And finally, my husband is enjoying Facebook too. Last night, as we sat next to each other on the bed, almost touching. He lovingly posted a message asking me for a bowl of ice cream. How romantic! I can't wait to see what he posts on my wall for valentine's day :-)
But seriously, I really am loving Facebook. Sure, it's a humongous time sponge and a colossal waste of energy, but what else am I going to do? Cook nutritious meals for my family, talk to my kids about their day? I think not. (just kidding)
Gotta go, I think I need to post a group message for my friends in the "Billy Mays Why are you Yelling At Me" Support Group.
Have a good one.
J
1. I have started up a wonderful renewed friendship with one of my dear friends from high school who has long sinced moved south the warmer weather (bitch.) But seriously, it's amazing how much we still have in common since we have both changed so much. We share a love of distance running, family and the tv show, "Intervention" Weird
2. I now talk to my brother more than I ever did before. We never speak on the phone (i hate the telephone) so we only catch up when we get together at Jer and Ar's for holidays and such. Now I know what he's doing most weekends and I get to see pictures of his adorable kids on a regular basis "BONUS"
3. I have connected with many old high school friends and some of their memories make me chuckle. For instance, one of my jr. high boyfriends was kind enough to remind me of the time that he "felt me up" in the 7th grade. Now that's just a hoot.
4. I have found other common ground as well. I have joined some great Facebook groups such as the "Moms who sometimes have to go out with their girlfriends and drink Secret Society" and the "I'm addicted Intervention" group. How fabulous is that?
5. And finally, my husband is enjoying Facebook too. Last night, as we sat next to each other on the bed, almost touching. He lovingly posted a message asking me for a bowl of ice cream. How romantic! I can't wait to see what he posts on my wall for valentine's day :-)
But seriously, I really am loving Facebook. Sure, it's a humongous time sponge and a colossal waste of energy, but what else am I going to do? Cook nutritious meals for my family, talk to my kids about their day? I think not. (just kidding)
Gotta go, I think I need to post a group message for my friends in the "Billy Mays Why are you Yelling At Me" Support Group.
Have a good one.
J
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Cough Due to Cold......Can you OD on Nyquil?
I have a cold. A nasty, phleghmy, disgusting cold. I feel achy and tired and just want to sleep. So, last night, I took a nice double shot of Nyquil and had just fallen asleep when the phone rang. It was work. A call from work at 9:30 Pm on a Friday night is never a good thing. Apparently, there were "technical issues" on second shift. Now, I am usually very responsive to these types of things, but when you are working the Nyquil haze, it's hard to be articulate and make key decisions. I was a total moron on the phone. It took me about 10 freaking minutes to figure out what they were telling me and probably another 10 minutes to figure out who I was talking to. When I finally got the message of what was going on, somehow, I pulled the solution out of my ass and saved the day despite my medicinal impediment. I am quite proud of myself. But this morning, I actually had a bit of a Nyquil hangover where I had to ask myself......."did that really happen or did I dream it." Consider yourself warned. That Nyquil is heavy duty stuff.
Have I mentioned that I haven't been on the treadmill in 3 days? My training plan is on hiatus until I can kick this cold. Maybe a bit more Nyquil is in order......hmmmmm.
Have I mentioned that I haven't been on the treadmill in 3 days? My training plan is on hiatus until I can kick this cold. Maybe a bit more Nyquil is in order......hmmmmm.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Who loves ya?
Last night, at my children's school we attended a Prayer Service and Spaghetti Dinner. Obviously, my kids go to Catholic School, because if it was public school, we wouldn't be praying, we would be meditating or something silly like that. Anyway, at the prayer service, they had the children present their families with letters thanking their parents for all they do. Well, our letter from our nine year old made me laugh and cry all at the same time. She thanked me for "making cookies" and "giving her breaks from her little brother." She also thanked me for being patient. But she was most thankful for the fact that I "let her take long showers." Wow, that's random. She thanked Mark for challenging her to do things that may be scary and for being tough on her about her homework.
This letter was a revelation for me, because it dawned on me that kids really appreciate the big things and little things that you do and nothing is insignificant to them. I started to think about this as the prayer service continued and I admit, I started to get pretty emotional. Then, they called each of the families up one at a time so Father Sheehan could "bless the family" It was really special and reminded me how lucky I am, despite any challenges I might have. This made me realize that I am already truly blessed and I need to remember that rather than dwelling on the negative. So that's what I'm gonna do. every day.
This letter was a revelation for me, because it dawned on me that kids really appreciate the big things and little things that you do and nothing is insignificant to them. I started to think about this as the prayer service continued and I admit, I started to get pretty emotional. Then, they called each of the families up one at a time so Father Sheehan could "bless the family" It was really special and reminded me how lucky I am, despite any challenges I might have. This made me realize that I am already truly blessed and I need to remember that rather than dwelling on the negative. So that's what I'm gonna do. every day.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Punxatawney Phil---I curse your name.
Yup, the little rat saw his shadow this morning, and you know what that means? Six more weeks of winter. Ugh! Has the diminutive little bastard ever not seen his shadow? I doubt it. Big wimp.
Now, living in Maine, I am used to winter, don't like it, but I'm used to it. The problem is (why, oh why, is there always a problem) I am trying to train for a half marathon here people. And......I have this love/hate relationship with my treadmill. It's what one might call, a necessary evil. I need to run at least four times a week to stay on pace with my training plan. I would love to run outside, but it's just not safe. There's six feet of snow on each side of the road. This just makes for a dangerous situation. I live in a pretty rural area so the local yokels drive down the road pretty fast. I'd hate to become a statistic and not live to see my fourtieth birthday just cause "Wilbur" picked me off in his pickup on the way to the ice fishing derby ya know?
So that means I need to embrace the treadmill as best I can. But I really do feel like a hamster on a wheel. I would really prefer to run outside, where I can check out other people's houses while I run and wonder what kind of freaky deaky stuff goes on inside. (oh, you know you do it too) But, according to one ornery little vermin in Pennsylvania, my dreams of running outdoors will have to wait a while longer, like six weeks. bastard.
Now, living in Maine, I am used to winter, don't like it, but I'm used to it. The problem is (why, oh why, is there always a problem) I am trying to train for a half marathon here people. And......I have this love/hate relationship with my treadmill. It's what one might call, a necessary evil. I need to run at least four times a week to stay on pace with my training plan. I would love to run outside, but it's just not safe. There's six feet of snow on each side of the road. This just makes for a dangerous situation. I live in a pretty rural area so the local yokels drive down the road pretty fast. I'd hate to become a statistic and not live to see my fourtieth birthday just cause "Wilbur" picked me off in his pickup on the way to the ice fishing derby ya know?
So that means I need to embrace the treadmill as best I can. But I really do feel like a hamster on a wheel. I would really prefer to run outside, where I can check out other people's houses while I run and wonder what kind of freaky deaky stuff goes on inside. (oh, you know you do it too) But, according to one ornery little vermin in Pennsylvania, my dreams of running outdoors will have to wait a while longer, like six weeks. bastard.
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