Saturday, December 14, 2013

Spreading Christmas Cheer For All To Hear

I don't know what is wrong with me, but I find real enjoyment in horrible Christmas songs. You'd think they would drive me crazy and I'd want to stay away but I find myself coming back for more. I guess I'm just a glutton for punishment. Maybe residency did that to me!

So, I thought I would share my top 5 picks.

1. Worst Christmas Music Video


There is something about the age disparity in this one that just gives me the creeps. The sexy looks and dancing (is it even dancing?) from Mariah and the jaw hanging, gawking looks from Justin make this one creeptastic! I have always liked this song from Mariah, too bad she had to freshen it up in a cougar-pedophile like way.

2. Worst Christmas Cover, Ever. Period.


Lucky JB makes my list twice!

The only kind of person I can see actually liking this train wreck of a carol is a teenage Bielieber. I think it is a particularly irreverent take on what is supposed to be a sweet Christmas hymn. I'm not even talking about the rap melody and the psychedelic drums. Taking a song about baby Jesus and turning it into, "Yeah, I'm bad, pa-rum-pa-pum-pum, Beiber in the house" makes me cringe.

3. Worst Original Christmas Song


Uh, really? I just heard about this one so it made a last minute appearance to the list (beating out Wham's, "Last Christmas." Talk about a song that gets stuck in your head without really saying much of anything). And actually, I don't find a lot of fantastic dis-enjoyment in this one. It's just bad.

4. Most Awkward Christmas Cover.


What were you thinking, Buble?
I think of Michael Buble as a pretty classy guy, but this was a poor song choice for him. Or any man. I just don't see this being a song any guy in his right mind would want to sing. Even changing the words to "buddy" and "pal-ey" just seems a little weird.

5. So-BAD-It's-Good Christmas Song.


Not a lot to say about this one by one of my favorite YouTube artists, Jan Terry. It certainly speaks (or sings!) for itself. And is probably my true favorite of the worst.

Merry Christmas and happy listening.

And don't be surprised to find these stuck in your head for the rest of the season...don't be (too) mad!






Thursday, December 12, 2013

Amazon Woman



Have you ever had a goal or dream in life that you never had the guts to pursue? Maybe that thing you always wanted to try but never got around to doing?

Personally, there are things I wish I would have gone for but never did. Like what, you ask?

I would love to be on the radio! But unfortunately, I didn't take advantage of the radio station our high school produced. Or do a comedy show. I love to make people laugh but I never had the guts to try for a comedy troupe or stand-up shows. Or even just dye my hair blonde (too much commitment?).

I find I think I am too old or too scared or too darn busy. "Who does that!" I say.

That's maybe why admire my mom so much! She has been talking about writing a book for years. Yesterday, she did it!

And it is on Amazon.com.

A real bookstore.

Since just yesterday.

(But she has been writing it for a long time, not just yesterday, in case you were confused.)

I'm so proud of her for doing something she's been wanting to do for a long time. Even though she is "too old" or not a "professional writer" or even an English major. And after all of her hard work she put it out there for everyone to read.

I can't wait to read MY MOM's book! I really enjoyed an early version and have high expectations.

If you are interested in checking it out, you can find it on www.amazon.com here:

http://www.amazon.com/Jungle-Whispering-S-Jackson-Rivera-ebook/dp/B00H8QYR76/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1386899923&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=jungle+whispering+ruins


Sunday, December 1, 2013

Thanksgiving

Sometimes life is refreshingly nice. This was a wonderful weekend. What a treat to have three whole days off as a couple (and four for me!).

We had a great Thanksgiving with family and friends here in town. I feel so lucky to have Abe's family close so we can enjoy time with them even when we aren't able to travel. Abe and I enjoyed an early matinee movie before heading over for dinner. I think this may have to become a new tradition, 10 am movie on Thanksgiving. A great way to relax after some of the business of cooking--I am also very lucky to have a husband who makes great desserts so I don't have to, it can be exhausting just watching him at work.

Then we had great food and the annual Thanksgiving Walk through the forest.

And pie! I LOVE pie.

Friday we went Christmas tree hunting at the local tree farm with Abe' family. We had a lot of fun arguing over which of God's creations were the most decoration worthy. After trudging in the cold for quite awhile we settled on one of our first choices. (isn't that always the way, same tree but colder toes!) It was fun and warmer than usual (but still cold enough for funny hats that look like they were made out of Sesame Street characters...


...and pink scarves that make basketball player men look like old ladies).
 
 
As usual, Abe and I came home treeless. We like going for the company more than the tree I guess. I couldn't bear the thought of putting a tree into our chaotic, messy house.
 
After setting up my in-laws' tree, we decided to come back to my house for some cleaning. At first I was a little embarrassed but then decided to accept the help. My MIL very graciously helped me clean my kitchen and then we took on the ambitious task of some rearranging in the living room. We had a little extra help by that time and before I knew it, the messes and stresses of the before mentioned post were gone! I have been so unhappy with our awkwardly shaped living room that I am pretty pleased to see it looks like a new room without having to buy any more furniture.
 
To top it off, Abe surprised me with out very own Christmas tree (thank you Costco! and instagram for capturing all of the memories!), just as the messes were cleaned up and the house ready for some Christmas cheer.
 
 
 
 
 
I don't think it could have been a much better weekend! Time off together, fun and relaxing times with friends and family, and a clean and decorated house -- with still two days left to go.


 

 
 
 
Looking forward to the holidays this year. Usually I am stressed and busy enough at work I feel a lot like the GRINCH. Even though I know we will both be on call this year, I am really hoping for a wonderful season.