Sep 27, 2008

Music Makes The People Come Together...Yeah...

I got an iTunes gift card as a present and downloaded Coldplay's new album and One Republic. Usually it takes me a couple of times hearing an album before I decide if I really like it or not. But I really do like the One Republic album. The Coldplay one is still in question. I mean, I really like a lot of their music...but this one particular album seems like they are just riding on that one single to get albums sold. That's not really nice to say, they do have quality music...it's just that their album only has 9 songs (ew) and they just haven't struck me yet. Give me a couple more listen's and maybe I'll be singing a different tune! (No pun intended).

The way we get music is so different nowadays. I did own a record, yes, Alvin and the Chipmunks. (Honestly, you can take any record, play it at the wrong speed and have a ton of Alvin & the Chipmunks records...ha ha). Then I had tapes, then CD's and now MP3's. (I think my last CD purchased was a No Doubt album). Then MP3's took over the scene and that was it. I found this awesome site which allowed you to download full albums at $4 bucks...but it got shut down. Hmm...wonder why. Wish I took full advantage of that site while it was up. Sometimes I borrow cd's that friends have, and just import it to my iTunes, but I haven't done that in a while. Now I guess I have no choice but to buy MP3's or illegally download them. But we won't get into that. We have so much music from different people's libraries that it's hard to keep track. I haven't had time to upload it all to my iTunes, and the stuff I have on iTunes, I haven't got the time to go through and delete crap. One day...

Usually people like music for it's beat, but I constantly listen to the lyrics first...they really decide whether I like the song or not. So if I discover I don't like the lyrics, even if it's a catchy tune, I don't really like the song. But if the lyrics are deep & meaningful, they just enrich the song so much that the melody carries much more meaning. I like substance...don't get me wrong I have a bunch of silly songs that don't mean anything, but I am really moved by music that pulls weight.

Sep 22, 2008

9 Steps to End Chronic Worrying

Useful Article (Click here)

I particularly like #3 about "Embracing Uncertainty"...identify what you need to accept in order to get over it, also #6 "Stop the Clock" - What do I need to do to in the present moment to make life more pleasant instead of focusing on problem and increasingly growing sense of urgency. And #7 "Remember that it's not as bad as you think it will be" - that is ME totally, I always think the absolute worst. Some of the other steps, I have yet to try and see their effectivenes. I wish I was the type of person who didn't worry about something until it happened...in the meantime, with practice, maybe I can become that person.

Sep 17, 2008

Green Cleaning

Clorox came out with a natural plant based cleaning line...not sure weather it's effective or not...but amongst all the harsh chemicals in cleaning products, I'm looking to give it a try. Although, in my experience, the best things to have on hand to clean are Ajax, Windex, and an antibacterial all purpose cleaner to wipe down surfaces. For floors, I use Pine Sol. I do not think a Swiffer (not swifter as some people pronounce it) totally replaces a mop. I think it's good for maintenance though. Clorox has a bathroom cleaner...but the description does not include removal of mildew. I have yet to find a mildew cleaner which fumes don't kill me. Method has a nice line of non-toxic products also...they just tend to be a bit pricey unless you find it on sale. You can totally tell I've been cleaning.

Misc. Post

I have a bunch of floating random thoughts that I never bothered to blog about, but now that I have a little time on my hands, I figured I'd get 'em all out now that I have the chance.

First thing, if you ever buy Listerine's Whitening Rinse, I must strongly warn you to be careful about how long you swish that stuff in your mouth. I had it before, but always rinsed for maybe 20-30 seconds and had no problems. Well, recently I had bought another one and read on the back that it instructed to swish for 60 seconds. So I did it. BAD IDEA. I lost my sense of taste for 2 days...it was dreadful, the tip of my tongue tasted nothing. It was bad.

Moving on

A few years back, there were coupons from Bath & Body Works (that we totally abused) that were circulating. It gave us a free aromatherapy product with ANY purchase. Dangerous words. We used it for all it's worth. We would buy a $1 glycerin soap and walk away with "Sleep" "Energy" "Sensual" "Stress Relief" lotions, massage oil, bubble bath, shower gel, you-name-it products. I mean, we went nuts - but it was so much fun. Well recently, a friend of mine was wearing the "Sensual" lotion, and it just gave me memories...but the scent was really really soothing. So I went back to Bath & Body Works looking for a sale or special but found none. Not long after I got my hands on some coupons, so I got the "Sleep" shower gel and lotion...Mmmm. I do believe in aromatherapy...I think it calms us down. Now before bed, I sometimes would spray a calming mist and I'm out like a light. It doesn't work with every single scent though...some scents will wake you up. But there is nothing like a warm bath with lavender and vanilla tones. I prefer a moisturizing bubble bath as opposed to bath salts...

I recently was in a wedding, so that moved me to buy MAC foundation. I really liked the coverage it gave me. I also bought some other MAC things...it's hard not to go over budget in that store! I think I'm at the beginning stages of a MAC junkie...the worst part of shopping at MAC is that it's such a guilty pleasure, you walk away with the guilt of how spending more than you wanted to. I still use my Bare Escentuals makeup. It feels really light and you don't feel like you're clogging your pores with liquid paint. I like makeup...but really really like quality makeup.

I have a lot of stuff to do at home...it's annoying when you feel like you're cleaning some area for the hundredth time! Maintenance...it never ends. If there's people over, and I spot a dust bunny in the corner, I'm embarrassed. So I constantly go NUTS cleaning before I have visitors. I'm so weird because as much as I love a clean house, I lack motivation sometimes...but when I start doing it, I get on a roll and somehow find the energy. I don't mind vacuuming, but hate mopping. UGH. I have to go to Costco today to get some stock items, like toilet tissue and paper towels and pick up the dreaded 40lb kitty litter. Those darn cats better appreciate me. Plus I scoop their poop. All they do is make a mess in my house. When they fight, they leave hair chunks. On my counters I see their paw prints...it's like they rule my house!! Can't stand it anymore.

With all that said, I'm off to get some things done...I probably should pick up some "Stress Relief" products, ha.

Sep 11, 2008

7 Years Ago

I really don't have much to write about except for the fact that time flies and I can't believe it is 7 years ago since the 9/11 attacks. I was in NY just long enough to see the lights they put up in the ground zero site.

I remember being so fearful right after it happened...I was more cautious and suspicious. In my recent visit to NY, I traveled in the subways and around Mahattan almost with no fear. It's funny how fear, once so paralyzing and strong can weaken and disappear. We forget...it's in our nature. Although this morning I was reminded. I kept trying to call Anthony this morning, it would ring once or twice, then go busy. I thought to myself, what if there was another attack?

Our memories & past experiences can re-awaken fear...but we must not let fear take over our lives. Easier said than done. Just remember the power of positive thinking!

Sep 9, 2008

Back From NY...Again

I have stuff to blog...I have my trip to NY to blog about, as well as pictures to post. I have a busy work week ahead of me, but will find the time soon enough...

He Delivered Me...Literally

I needed to lookup my birth certificate for something, and I realized that I could google the MD who delivered me. I found him easilly - it seems he is still practicing in Forest Hills, NY! I'm pretty sure it's him, because he's practicing Obstetrics near the hospital I was delivered in.

I wanna meet him, is that strange?? Lol...maybe he'll welcome the visit over 20 years later of an infant he helped bring into the world. Or maybe he'll meet me with indifference. I think part of why I want to meet him, is because I actually never met my father - so being that this is someone I have a link to, it somehow seems cool...although don't get me wrong, I'm not likening this to meeting my father.

It probably won't even happen...it's just a funny thought. :)