I went to Walmart today after my appointment and pulled into a parking spot next to another car on my left. I had this song playing, and if you know me then you know I had the volume up pretty loud. My window was down about 4 inches or so. I sat there for a minute, checking my phone and responding to a message. I rolled up the window, turned off the car and got out. That’s when I noticed this kid in the car next to me, plugged into an ipod. He looked like he was around 15 years old. He pulled the earphone out of his ear and asked, “What are you listening to?” I told him, “Swedish Death Metal. What are you listening to?” He says, “Nothin’.” I had to laugh because I imagined he was listening to something sappy like Justin Beiber or some other nit-witted pop idol. I also imagine he has never seen an old lady like me listening to Swedish Death Metal…or any metal at all. LMAO!
Yes, my life IS pretty plain, but it’s mine and no one else’s. I love the simple things in life. I love watching the rain fall, watching for rainbows, and waiting for the birds, rabbits and squirrels to come out and play. I love the blooms that Spring brings, the chirping sounds of nature, and the warmth of the sun. I love rock music, suspenseful movies, and spicy food.
I love to sit down with a good book and a cup of tea. It’s a great escape from the simple, sometimes boring life I live. I complain about things that don’t seem right and when things seem much more difficult than they should be. I don’t sleep all day but sometimes wish I could.
I sometimes have an odd point of view and many people don’t ‘get’ me but those who do are near and dear to my heart. They’re there for me when times are tough and they understand my tears. As long as I have the people in my life that I love, then I’ll have it made. Those who think I’m insane? Eh. Their problem, not mine. I’m ok with that.
Here I sit tonight, nursing a sore throat with a cup of tea with lemon and raw honey. I’m hoping it won’t last and I’ll feel better come Christmas. Shopping is done, thank goodness! We don’t have any major plans this year; just Dad and I, my son and his girlfriend, Lindsey. My daughter and her boyfriend, Zack won’t be able to make it down since they have to work Christmas Eve. But all’s well; they came last week and we spent a good day together. We’ll have a simple ham dinner and open a few gifts. We’ll spend the day watching funny Christmas movies, like “Trapped In Paradise” or “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Oh, I can’t forget Dad’s favorite, “Bad Santa.” It’s raunchy, but hilarious.
Right now, I’m resting. I’m snuggled in a nice, warm throw with my cup of tea. I’m listening to music that always makes me feel better, no matter the circumstances. On my playlist tonight:
Blind Melon’s “No Rain” Incubus’ “Drive” Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses” All-American Rejects’ “The Wind Blows” Apocalyptica’s “Nothing Else Matters” (a cover of Metallica’s hit) Creed’s “Higher” Collective Soul’s “The River Flows”
And the entire new album by Avenged Sevenfold. I was never a big fan of theirs. Just couldn’t get past the singer’s voice (too gravely for my taste), or the drums, which were always more annoying than anything else. The lyrics have always been good and the guitars are awesome. I tried for years to like them….knowing they were talented musicians and all, but I just couldn’t do it. This time they nailed it. From the theme of the entire album (end of the world) to even the drums. It’s sad they lost their drummer to prescription drugs a few years ago but this new drummer is easier for me to listen to. There’s a beat now instead of that continuous rat-ta-tat-tat that annoys me to no end. The singer seems to have smoothed his voice some…for lack of a better description. The guitars solos are awesome, as always but it’s more than that. There seems to be even more guitar. Anyway, they nailed it this time. I’m lovin’ it. It’s Rock Music, what can I say? I’m a sucker for power ballads and guitars.
So, tomorrow is Monday…. I hope the relaxation (and tea) help me kick this sore throat because I can’t even sing along to my favorite songs!!
Things are getting out of control in this country. With murder, crimes against women and children, shootings, stabbings, and other senseless crimes, what can we do?
We can start with some gun control. Ok, I can hear the haters and the bashing already. Let me explain. I don’t have a problem with folks having a gun to protect themselves, their families, and homes. I’m not against people having what they need for hunting. I do, however, have a major problem with the fact that the average person can purchase weaponry and gear that goes above and beyond the normal needs for protection and hunting. It is getting out of control! Yes, it’s people who kill, not guns. I get that. What I don’t understand is, why are we making it so easy for CRAZY people, and people with ill intentions to do the things they do? We have to protect the innocent and we aren’t doing that by allowing people like James Holmes to get their hands on the gear and weapons he used to kill and injure innocent people! We allowed him to do these atrocious things to the people and town of Aurora, CO. People’s lives were cut short. Mothers mourn their children. Children mourn their mothers and fathers. People mourn their brothers and sisters, their friends, and co-workers. My nephew lost a good friend. (My nephew could have been in that theater that night, but had other plans.) All this grief because WE make it easy for the bad guys. Why is our right to bear arms more important than protecting our children? People are bitching continually about how “the government wants to take away our guns/rights” and they fail to see that our children have the right to grow up without constant fear of being shot to death. There is no reason the average person needs assault rifles and 100 round clips! Give me a break!
I can’t help but wish I could pack my bags and move my loved ones to an uninhabited island or country, or perhaps a planet in a new galaxy. I know this is unrealistic so I have to focus on things in my life that make me happy. Here’s a few things (not necessarily in this order) that make me happy:
*My 3 year old grand daughter playing the drums at a local music store last week. It was such a joy watching her! I will be taking her back there. She may have a musical calling that can’t be denied!
*Seeing my grandson make such monumental progress in his speech development. It’s wonderful to see the excitement in his eyes when he’s talking to me about something! I look forward to his next achievements!
*My wonderful sisters, who are always there for me, although so far away. I absolutely cherish our conversations, no matter how ridiculous they are!
*My Dad, my best friend. He may drive me insane at times but he makes me laugh like no one else has. I enjoy having him in my life.
*My children! I love them both and have enjoyed being their mother. They have made me laugh, cry and sometimes scream! I am so thankful I was blessed with them so many years ago.
*Waking up to a quiet house, a fresh pot of coffee, and being alone with my thoughts. This is a nice time for me to plan my day and WAKE UP!
*Rockin’ out to music! Not just hearing it, but feeling it. Not just understanding the lyrics, but feeling them.
*The moments I have during the day to pursue my crafts, and hobbies such as reading, writing, and crocheting.
*Although I have no use for the intense heat and humidity, I love the first morning light, fresh air, and the sound of the birds starting their day.
*Seeing a full moon on a cool night, and marveling at the vastness of space and what lies beyond the farthest stars I can see.
*Seeing the beautiful colors of nature after a nice Spring rain. The rain seems to wash the dirt away and the colors become more vibrant. Have you ever noticed the many different shades of green after a rain shower? Awesome.
*Doing something nice for someone who doesn’t ask for, or expect anything.
*Keeping up with my family and friends on Facebook. Goodness. What would I do without Facebook to keep me updated on the comings and goings of everyone I care about?
As I sit here with my juicy, red watermelon, my scattered thoughts, and my music blaring, I think about all the things in my life that I’m grateful for and the things that make me smile…. At this moment, Nothing Else Matters.
Metallica cover song, Nothing Else Matters, by Apocalyptica (Acoustic version)
When I was a young girl, I was in the Girl Scouts. Every summer, we had what they called “Day Camp” where all the scouts and their troop leaders spent the week camping. Actually, we were picked up each evening to go home and the last day was the only over-nighter. We had fun playing games, doing crafts, singing songs around the campfire and cooking our favorite snacks like S’mores.
One of the songs we sang was ‘The Bear Went Over The Mountain.’ Up until today, I never really knew the correct lyrics and I’m surprised at how different I learned it as a kid in the Girl Scouts. I guess the Girl Scouts changed it to make it a Girl Scout song. The problem is, I could never remember exactly how we sang it back then so I made up my own version. It goes like this:
The bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain, the bear went over the mountain to see what he could see.
He saw a bunch of Girl Scouts, he saw a bunch of Girl Scouts, he saw a bunch of Girl Scouts, and what do you think he did?
He ate up all the Girl Scouts, he ate up all the Girl Scouts, he ate up all the Girl Scouts, and what do you think he did?
He puked up all the Girl Scouts, he puked up all the Girl Scouts, he puked up all the Girl Scouts, and what do you think he did?
I stopped at this point, as I could never think of what could possibly come next. Anyway, the whole point of this story is that I was singing my version of this song (and other songs too) to my 19-month-old granddaughter last night while trying to rock her back to sleep. She was drifting off slowly, occasionally opening her eyes. Her nose was a little stuffy and she was uncomfortable but she was obviously trying to fall back asleep. When I got to the last verse ‘He puked up all the Girl Scouts,’ Doodle Bug opened her eyes and very loudly responded, “Gross!” I didn’t realize she was even listening to me. It was a moment I won’t soon forget!
Being Aunt Debbie 