Rock N Roll Fridays with Tom Petty

Welcome to Rock N Roll Fridays -- one of my favorite memes! Click the link above to go to the blog's homepage and join us! They take an artist and use the songs to create questions -- fun, fun!

1. AMERICAN GIRL: “Well, she was an American girl Raised on promises
She couldn't help thinkin' That there was a little more to life somewhere else”
Have you ever wanted to live somewhere else? Where?
Of course! Everyone at some point in their lives I would think wants to live somewhere else. Now, getting to is a whole other topic. I've wanted to live in Manhattan in an awesome high-rise near Time Square (and since I'm not a multi-millionaire, I know that won't happen!)

I've wanted to live in the country on a farm... again, I'm a suburbanite -- doubt that will happen either (but I still hope for this one).

I've wanted to live somewhere in Europe but I'd miss my family too much.... I've wanted to live in Colorado again...but I know our roots are planted here in Texas.

2. BREAKDOWN: “Honey, I get the feeling you wont. There is no sense in pretending
Your eyes give you away, Something inside you is feeling like I do…”
Have you caught someone in a lie recently?
Oh I catch Drew in lies constantly -- generally when you ask him why something is someplace that it's not he immediately blames Josh.

For instance, just last night, Ben's sock was off because he was crawling around in the playroom and, well, infants just can't seem to KEEP socks on... but when it's cold, you'd feel quite bad if they had on NO socks so you put on the stupid things only to spend every 11.8 seconds pulling them back up. It's a stupid, maddening thing now that I think about it. I've resorted to putting him in booties -- they work better... but anyway... I digress...

I made the statement, "Ben's missing a sock." The question was then, "Where is Ben's sock?" I looked around and saw it in the floor. "Drew, Ben's sock is there... bring it to me please." And the first thing out of his mouth was, "Josh took it."

Now, I know full well that Josh didn't TAKE Ben's sock. Seriously, it's amazing the immediate accusations that can come out of their mouths. Truth be known that the kid has no problem confessing when he's done something so why the immediate blame game starts up on the mention of .... ANYTHING... it's a little annoying!

3. YOU DON’T KNOW HOW IT FEELS: “People come, people go, Some grow young, some grow cold. I woke up in between, A memory and a dream”
Do you live in the past?

No, that's not healthy. I yearn for different times in the past when I'm feeling nostalgic (like this time of year leaving me thinking of my grandmother) but for the most part, I am in the here and now while planning for the future. No past dwelling here.

4. THE WAITING: “The waiting is the hardest part, Every day you see one more card
You take it on faith, you take it to the heart, The waiting is the hardest part”
What have you had to wait for?

I've had to wait for lots of things.... flooring in my bedroom. Yes, my bedroom in this beautiful home has had NO FLOOR for over a year and a half now. Now, part of that was my fault because I couldn't decide WHAT I wanted to do...then I thought I did but the carpet I chose was UNGODLY expensive... then Ben made an early arrival... so it's just been a whippin of a thought to have to deal with getting new floors but... still, I HAVE been waiting for them.

I fear I'll be waiting forever to have my ring replaced, too. My beautiful, precious, amazing ring. Sigh. It's gone forever.

I'll be waiting a while to finish school, too. I can do that when the boys are all in school or at least in some kind of daycare. Right now, it's not feasible and I don't want to be selfish... I will have all the time in the world later in life to do that kind of stuff... my boys will NOT be this age forever and I want to cherish all my time with them -- even when I'm thinking they're the cause of the recurring greys in my head!

5. STOP DRAGGIN MY HEART AROUND: “Baby you'll come knocking on my front door
Same old line you used to use before. That's the game, well... what am I supposed to do
I didn't know what I was getting into”
Ever been a sucker?
Unfortunately, yes. I am one of the mindset that people are --generally speaking-- good. I've been burned because of that. Now, I DO follow the rule of "screw me once, shame on you... screw me twice, shame on me" People don't get that second time... not that I don't forgive -- because I do. I just won't ever get in the same position to be duped again. Ever.

6. REFUGEE: “Honey, it don't make no difference to me, Baby, everybodys had to fight to be free…”
Have you ever been in a physical fight with another person?
Just a couple...

Once at a club some chick tried to jump me because her boyfriend wouldn't quit trying to put the moves on me on the dance floor. I threw her over one of the bar tables. Stupid wench.

The second one was also in high school when we would all go cruising on Pioneer. Some intellectually challenged girl from another high school had been saying she was going to beat me up. I didn't even KNOW her. I knew who she was but I didn't know her. I was at a corner crossing the street and she (with a car full of her friends) pulled up. She started running her mouth so I pulled her out of the car by her hair. I tell ya, she shut up REAL quick and her friends took off. They totally bailed on her. Did I teach her a lesson? No... I just actually was able to tell her (due to my friends holding her so she couldn't try to claw me) that she had all her information on WHY she was even RUNNING her mouth ALL JACKED UP. She realized how stupid she was and then we even gave her a ride back to her friends car.

7. LAST DANCE WITH MARY JANE: “Last dance with Mary Jane, One more time to kill the pain, I feel summer creepin' in, And I'm tired of this town again…”
Have you ever tried marijuana or another illegal drug?
You want people to admit that they have used drugs on public blogs? Wow.. brave questioner! I know that my blog may be read by my children at some point and so I (while I have NOTHING to hide) won't just outright answer this because I'd rather they talk to ME about drugs than read it on a blog.

My thoughts on the idea of it all are this....

marijuana grows naturally on the earth. Why it's illegal is BEYOND me because tobacco and alcohol does far more damage to people that a little pot ever could. Does that mean I want my kids consuming this? Of course not. However, if it's the worst thing they ever do in life... I don't feel they'll be damned to Hell.

In high school, I hung out with some of the coolest people and a lot of them DID smoke pot (I didn't) but they did. At a weekend party or get together, they weren't these violent, angry guys that were ready to kick everyone's ass. They were just kicked back and chill.

Now, go to one of the parties with the "popular" or the "jock" crowd where all they did was drink (since that was eventually a LEGAL thing to do) and when you threw alcohol into the picture, they all turned into raging jerks.

So, seriously, would you rather be around a bunch of a-hole jerks or just people that are chill? Yeah, me too. But the "stoners" got the bad rap as being losers... and the "jocks" were the "cool "people... when THEY were the ones that would drink too much and turn into a-holes. It's so odd when you think about it.

Now, that's only my opinion on pot. I just don't see the real issue with it. Personally, I could care less if people smoked pot. Other stuff, however, man... I don't know why anyone would WANT to do that stuff.

There is a website (I think) called "The Faces of Meth" where this guy tracked mug shots of people that were hooked on the stuff and man alive it's scary.

Also, anyone that knows me knows that I'm a complete control freak. I'm also a person that gets loopy on cough syrup. So, the thought of taking some substance of unknown composition and origin and WILLFULLY ingesting or injecting or inhaling it into my body completely freaks me out. And the expense and loss people are willing to take just for something like that is completely mind-boggling.

I wouldn't ever be able to understand addiction. I just don't see how a) anyone would pay for something that you don't know what it is b) do something illegal c) risk your life, family and your worldly possessions for a "high" d) want to be out of control of yourself....

Call me a "goody two shoes" I suppose... but you certainly won't ever be able to call me an addict. The only true addiction I can say I've ever had is Sonic's Route 44 unsweetened peach tea, scrapbooking... or perhaps... rock n roll music!

8. INTO THE GREAT WIDE OPEN: “He met a girl out there with a tattoo too; The future was wide open. They moved into a place they both could afford; He found a night club he could work at the door”
Have you done something on the spur of the moment that worked out fine?
Everyday. When you're a parent your entire life is being able to live in the moment because you never know what is going to be thrown your way... and generally it all works out in the wash.

9. HERE COMES MY GIRL: “Hey, here comes my girl, here comes my girl, Yeah, she looks so right, shes all I need tonight”
What do you need besides your significant other tonight?
My little Benji snuggled up beside me and a big, warm blanket.

10. HARD ON ME: “Maybe if I tried, I could turn the other cheek, Maybe, but how big do I have to be? I need someone To put their arm around me Shelter me from all harm…”
What is the worst thing you have forgiven someone for?
That's between me and that other person. I'm not one to rehash all the bad on a blog... especially at the expense of someone's feelings. If I'm over it... which I am... I've moved on. I will say that YES, I have had to forgive some people that are extremely close to me for some absolutely horrible things... many would consider unforgiveable... but I'm not one to harbor anger or hate because it hurts me more to be bitter and angry and I refuse to give someone that much power over my emotions.

I choose how I respond to a situation. I don't let someone dictate my feelings for me.

11. FREE FALLIN: “She's a good girl, loves her mama, Loves Jesus and America too She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis, Loves horses and her boyfriend too…”
What are 6 things you love or are crazy about?
Blogging, cooking, my boys (all 4 of them), photography, Elvis and music

12. EVEN THE LOSERS: “Baby, even the losers get lucky sometimes, Even the losers keep a little bit of pride. They get lucky sometimes”
Have you ever been a loser?
I sure have. Drew plays a mean game of Candy Land!

13. SHADOW OF A DOUBT: “With that little certain something, she's a complex kid, And she's always been so hard to get around. She always likes to leave me with a shadow of a doubt.”
What is the shadiest advice you have ever been told?
It ties into the whole "forgiveness" question above so I'm not gonna answer this one, either. :)

Rock N Roll Fridays with Led Zepplin

Today we picked Led Zeppelin.

1. BLACK DOG “Take too long before I found out, what people mean by down and out. Spent my money, took my car…”
When was the last time you were down and out?
By the grace of God, I've NEVER been down and out. I may have felt it from time to time but I have never actually been it.

2. DAZED AND CONFUSED “Oh I don’t like when you’re mystifyin’ me. Oh don’t leave me so confused, now whoa baby. Been dazed and confused for so long…”
What leaves you dazed and confused?
Arrogance. Seriously, the audacity of others' arrogance leaves me utterly baffled.

3. FOOL IN THE RAIN “Another 10 minutes no longer, and then I’m turnin around. The clock on the wall’s moving slower, oh my heart it sinks to the ground…”
Have you ever been “stood up”?
Yes, and it sucks. He was promptly kicked to the curb.

4. IMMIGRANT SONG “On we sweep with, with threshing oar. Our only goal will be the western shore. So now you better stop and rebuild all your ruins…”
How do you feel about immigration into the USA?
I feel that our country is a symbol of hope for the hopeless. However, there should be rules. For there to be more rights for people who are NOT citizens of this country rather thanfor those that ARE is preposterous! ILLEGAL immigrants... are... ILLEGAL. Hence the name. Why it's so hard to understand that is beyond me.

We shouldn't celebrate -- as a country -- OTHER country's national holidays. Let them celebrate those in their own country or as a group together but we shouldn't be recognizing that.

I don't think illegals should be given free ANYTHING.... no free healthcare -- that is BULLSHIT.... no free food, free housing... NOTHING. IF there are Americans homeless, sick and starving and you're giving out free food, shelter and healthcare to the illegals -- we have a problem.

It is not our job, either, to educate ILLEGAL children. I wonder how well our schools would be in Texas if the teachers weren't forced to try to learn Spanish to communicate with children that shouldn't BE HERE IN THE FIRST PLACE! It's not the teachers JOBS to learn Spanish to communicate with ILLEGAL CHILDREN IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM.

The anchor baby law needs to be repealed.... it was established during a time of slavery... that time is long gone and the anchor baby clause should be gone as well.

I believe we have room in our society for other cultures and for immigrants...but if YOU choose ... CHOOOSE to come to our country...to be an AMERICAN citizen... you need to CHANGE to be an AMERICAN living in America. I"m not saying lose your culture or heritage but don't expect ME to learn Spanish to be able to communicate with YOU.... I could go on forever about this...

Ugh... It seriously pisses me off.

5. KASHMIR “I am a traveler of both time and space, to be where I have been. To sit with elders of the gentle race, this world has seldom seen…”
Have you ever visited someone in a nursing (old age) home?
Yes, it's a horrible place to be. My paternal grandmother ("Mawmaw") was in a nusing home. Her's was okay (from what I saw). The one my grandfather was in was gross. His bathroom smelled of urine. The old man across the hall would just yell and talk and scream all the time. It was small... it was old... it was so sad. I don't ever want my parents in such a place. It's such a horrible way to exist.

6. MISTY MOUNTAIN HOP “Crowds of people sittin on the grass with flowers in their hair said Hey boy, do you wanna score?”…
Have you ever done something because of “peer” pressure?
I'm sure I did but nothing notable or of any real circumstance (ie. drugs, drinking, smoking or illegal activity). Mine would have been some stupid fashion trend or to dislike someone because another friend didn't like her. Something stupid like that. I've never been afraid to tell someone "no" and mean it...and if they didn't LIKE that I said "no" to tell them to piss off.

7. RAMBLE ON “A ramble on, and now’s the time the time is now. Sing my song, I’m goin round the world to find my girl”
Where is the oddest place you went to on a date?
I must have a horrible memory or just be boring becuase I can't think of anywhere "odd" that I went on a date. My dates were all "normal" date places -- movies, dinner, concerts, outdoor events, etc.

8. ROCK N ROLL “Ho, it’s been a long time since we walked in the moonlight, a-makin vows that just can’t work right, haw haw, yeah yeah open your arms, open your arms, open your arms, let my love come runnin in…”
What’s the last romantic thing you did (besides sexual)?
I like to think that I take the time to do something romantic every day for my love. Is "sweet" and "romantic" the same thing... I send him e-mails to tell him how much I love him... when he's least expecting it. I'll scratch his back when he's not expecting it. I make his coffee for him on the weekeneds... if I see he's out of something, I'll fill it back up or get him a new one.

9. STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN “There’s a lady who’s sure, all that glitters is gold, and she’s buying a stairway to heaven…”
What did you last buy? Was it on Black Friday?
I bought Josh some clothes (he grows so fast and is the oldest so no hand-me-downs for him to get), me some Cricut cartridges and Andy a couple of NEW pair of jeans that AREN'T his tapered leg 80's style Levi's LOL). We'll see how THOSE are received.

10. THANK YOU “If the sun refused to shine, I would still be loving you. If the mountains should crumble to the sea, there would still be you and me…”
What is the longest relationship you have ever had? The longest relationship I've ever have would have to be with Shannon Fry -- who was my childhood best friend since I was 5. That'd be 32 years I've known her. After that, it'd be Lori Hines (about the same amount of time)... Elaine Branch... scratch a few years off that... maybe 27 or 28 years. Then we go to the relationships from junior high...that are still "tight" like my best friend Gene Penrod... we've been close BFFs since 6th or 7th grade.

If you're talking relationship with the opposite sex... it'd be my marriage (if you include courtship)

11. THE LEMON SONG “I work as hard as I can-a. I bring home my money, you take my money, give it to another man. I should have quit you baby-a such a long time ago…”
Have you ever loaned money to someone?
Yeah, and it never got paid back... so never again.

12. THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME “You don’t know what you’re missin now. Any little song that you know. Everything that’s small has to grow. And it has to grow!”
Do you have plants in your house?
Not real ones... I have a black thumb.

13. WHOLE LOTTA LOVE “You’ve been learnin and baby I been learnin, all them good times, baby baby I’ve been discernin…”
What is the last class or course you studied?
English... got a 96... maintained my 4.0 baby!

Rock N Roll Fridays with Stevie Wonder

Today we picked Stevie Wonder.

1. I JUST CALLED TO SAY I LOVE YOU “I just called to say I love you. I just called to say how much I care. I just called to say I love you, and I mean it from the bottom of my heart”
What did your last conversation revolve around on the phone? I talked to my mom at about 9:40 this morning when she called to tell me a Christmas project the boys had worked on at her house was ruined and they'd have to do it over.

2. SUPERSTITION “When you believe in things That you don't understand, Then you suffer, Superstition aint the way”
Do you have a crazy habit or superstition you must perform in certain situations, such as throwing salt over your should when you spill it? Nope. Not at all. I'm not superstitious.

3. SIR DUKE “Music knows it is and always will Be one of the things that life just won't quit But here are some of music's pioneers That time will not allow us to forget”
If you had to pick a music milestone event or invention, what would it be? Just for the record, this is one of THE best songs by Stevie Wonder... like... ever! It's one of my absolutely favorite songs from my childhood! That being said, I don't really get what this question is asking.... is it asking what milestone I wanted to be PRESENT for or something I'd like to invent or a genre or style??? I don't get it.... I'll skip it...but it's still one of my favorite songs!

4. YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE “You are the sunshine of my life, yeah, That's why I'll always stay around, You are the apple of my eye, Forever you'll stay in my heart”
What besides your significant other brings sunshine to your life? Hands down, my children and my dogs... in that order, obviously.

5. LIVING FOR THE CITY “Her brother's smart he's got more sense than many, His patience's long but soon he won't have any, To find a job is like a haystack needle, Cause where he lives they don't use colored people”
Have you ever been denied a job or treated differently at a job for an unusual reason ? Not that I'm aware of.

6. THAT GIRL “That girl thinks that she's so smart, That soon she'll have my heart. She thinks in no time flat, That she'll be free and clear to start”
Ever been pursued by someone who wanted you but you didn’t want them? Um... yeah, it's really uncomfortable to be in that position, too. Even when you're BLUNT and very outright like I am.

7. I WISH “I wish those days could come back once more, Why did those days ev-er have to go
I wish those days could come back once more, Why did those days ev-er have to go
Cause I love them so”
What era of your life do you miss the most? You know, it's not really an era of life, I just miss my grandmother being alive. I miss being able to call her and visit her and sit at her kitchen table and share a Diet Coke with her. I miss her cooking and her little house... I miss her aprons and her favorite perfume "Beautiful". She was that...

8. HIGHER GROUND “Powers keep on lyin', While your people keep on dyin', World keep on turnin', Cause it won't be too long”
Do you believe global warming will continue to worsen? I don't believe in global warming anymore than I believe in the Easter Bunny. It was already proven that the scientists invalidated the data by putting what they wanted into their studies. If an unbiased study comes out, I may pay attention but I can't see how anything we're currently doing to the planet is good at all... burying the trash, drilling in the oceans, tons of cars, smog, killing forests, making plastics... something's eventually gotta give...

9. PART TIME LOVER” We are undercover passion on the run. Chasing love up against the sun, We are strangers by day, lovers by night. Knowing it's so wrong, but feeling so right.”
Have you ever dated someone you shouldn’t have because they were married or “taken”? Nope.

10. SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED ” Then that time I went and said goodbye, Now I'm back and not ashamed to cry. Oo, baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours!”
Ever try it again with an old flame? What happened? It never works. Ok, I won't say "never" but I'd venture to say about 99.99999% of the time it never works. One of you won't be able to let go of the crap that started the issues that you're supposed to forgive them for. Eventually, SOMEONE has to grow up and move on. It's never the same the second time around.

11. MY CHERIE AMOUR “Maybe someday, you'll see my face among the crowd. Maybe someday, I'll share your little distant cloud. Oh, cherie amour, pretty little one that I adore, You're the only girl my heart beats for, How I wish that you were mine”
Who was your very first crush? Did they return the emotion? I want to say it was Robert Antonetti in 4th grade. Yes... he wound up being my first boyfriend.

12. GOLDEN LADY “Golden lady, golden lady I'd like to go there. Take me right away.”
Ever get a tanning salon/ fake tan? Do you still worship the sun? I have gotten a fake bake before. It's the only time in my life I had a tan. I have a moon tan now but I think it helps me stay younger looking because I certainly don't have the wrinkles and sun damage a lot of my friends do.

13. ALL IN LOVE IS FAIR “I tossed my coin to say In love with me you'd stay. But all in war is so cold
You either win or lose. When all is put away, The losing side I'll play. But all is fair in love…”
What is the worst aspect of breaking up/divorce? I guess it would depend on whom you're asking this of... are you asking the one that is being broken up WITH or Divorced? Or the one that is moving on... or in terms of fall-out? I think the fall-out CAUSED from the divorce... feeling like certain people have to make alliances... you could lose friendships... if it's an unwanted divorce... the pit of depression this puts you in... has to just suck the life out of your life.

Rock 'N Roll Friday with The Cure

Today we picked The Cure. The song's lyrics are in bold.

1. FRIDAY I’M IN LOVE “Monday you can fall apart, Tuesday, Wednesday break my heart. Oh, Thursday doesn't even start, It's Friday I'm in love”
Do you have a certain day of the week for particular meal, such as pizza night or a family night, such as Game night? No, but you know, I think I probably should just to a) make it easier on me and b) make it easier on me. Ha! We generally have football and baseball on Tues/Thurs so I try to have crock pot meals on those nights but as far as planning anything week-in and week-out, I honestly don't like to eat the same thing every week. So, that'd probably be hard for me to do for that reason alone.

2. LOVECATS “We should have each other to tea huh? We should have each other with cream, Then curl up by the fire And sleep for awhile”
What is your favorite brand of tea (or iced tea)? If I'm drinking sweet tea, I like Luzianne decaf. If I'm drinking hot tea, I like Earl Grey or Lady Grey with a spot of honey. Mmmmm.

3. LETS GO TO BED “Another girl, Another name, Stay alive but stay the same
It's just the same, A stupid game”
Have you ever joined a dating service or used personal ads to find a date? On-line service, sure. Personal ad, never.

4. NEVER ENOUGH “However big I ever feel, It's never enough. Whatever I do to make it real, It's never enough. In any way I try to speak. Never enough”
What is the last project you worked hard on, only to get knocked down with friends /family insults about it? I don't have THAT kind of friends or family. That's what enemies do... friends and family are there to support you and build you up so that when your confidence waivers, their support never does.

5. JUST LIKE HEAVEN "Show me how you do that trick, The one that makes me scream" she said. "The one that makes me laugh" she said. And threw her arms around my neck . "Show me how you do it And I promise you I promise that
I'll run away with you "
What’s your best trick? I can help with homework, soothe a fussy baby, play Candy Land and cook dinner ALL at the same time! :) Talk about magic!

6. INBETWEEN DAYS “Yesterday I got so old I felt like I could die. Yesterday I got so old It made me want to cry…”
When was the last time you felt old or were told by someone else that you were too old to do something? The last time I felt old? Gosh, I feel OLD every DAY. I mean, I'm pushing FORTY! Yikes! I remember when I was in junior high school and my friend had a sister in her TWENTIES? GOSH, she was OLD. Then I was in high school and 20s weren't bad, it was the THIRTIES (GASP!) And now I'm there and I'm like. Yeah, I DO feel old sometimes! I've got some kind of issue with my feet. I have FEET PROBLEMS? Seriously... isn't that what old decrepit people have to deal with? I have abdominal issues. Again, that's old people stuff. You know, drinkin' Metamucil and talking fiber and vitamins. And don't even get me STARTED talking about crow's feet and sun spots. I see my hands... they look like old hands.

7. WHY CANT I BE YOU “Everything you do is irresistible; Everything you do is simply kissable Why can't I be you?”
What would you say to your favorite celebrity if you met them in person? You know, I don't get all starry-eyed for anyone (other than Rick Springfield). I don't care TO meet celebrities. I don't care. I know it's so not "American" to not give a flip... but I really DON'T give a flip: what Miley's doing or how many times Lindsay is going to go to jail or how many more kids Brangelina are going to adopt or have. I don't care if Paris opens a cocaine factory or if anyone else releases a "sex tape" just for publicity sake. I don't care if Brittany is having another mental breakdown or if someone got spat on by Justin Beiber. I don't care about Michael Jackson's kids and I don't care who is being sued by their parents. I could care less about their trashy, ridiculous fashion trends or if they pick their nose in public. I could care less if someone trips on the red carpet, if they shave their head, who they're sleeping with or if they're nominated for awards. Celebrity-schelebrity! Who cares. I don't! :) NEXT QUESTION!

8. THIS TWILIGHT GARDEN “I lift my eyes from watching you
to watch the star rise shine onto your dreaming face and dreaming smile
you're dreaming worlds for me “
What is the nicest thing about sleeping with someone else, or sleeping alone? Well, hands down, sleeping alone is the best because you get the whole bed to yourself, no one steals the covers, you can have it dark, quiet and there is NO SNORING! I am SUCH a light sleeper and having to deal with snoring...lets just say that it makes me less than pleasant.

However, it's nice to sleep with someone beside you... because you feel safer. If your feet are cold, you've got a body heater right there. You've got someone to warm up the bed for you and if you just feel like a late night rendezvous -- hey! There they are!

Sleeping with your little baby next to you, however, is SUCH a wonderful, soul-filling experience for me. I love to see his face as he falls asleep. I love watching him stroke the silky blanket against his face. I love seeing his face first thing in the morning and being the first person I get to interact with. I love when he scootches right next to me to snuggle. I know these days are fleeting and so I cherish this more than anything right now.

9. PRIMARY “The innocence of sleeping children Dressed in white And slowly dreaming Stops all time Slow my steps and start to blur; So many years have filled my heart I never thought I'd say those words”
What do children do that amuses you most? Lack common sense. For instance, Josh was hungry. I suggested he make a sandwich. Good idea. He walks into the kitchen and get the components lined up for him TO make a sandwich then he decides he's not hungry enough for a whole sandwich. I suggest to make a half of a sandwich. His reply? It was, "What do I do with the other half?"

10. 10:15 ON A SATURDAY NIGHT “Under the strip light, And I'm sitting
In the kitchen sink, And the tap drips , Drip drip drip drip drip drip drip drip”
What was the last appliance or household item you fixed? Hmmm... I don't "fix" stuff. I break it. I call my mom to fix stuff. She's awesome like that.

11. BOYS DON’T CRY “I would say I'm sorry If I thought that it would change your mind; But I know that this time I've said too much Been too unkind “
What was the last thing you said to someone that you wish you could take back? OH I'm sure it's something on a daily basis... probably "shit" since I know that's not the nicest thing to mutter in front of your children. Sometimes, however, the expletives fly. What are you gonna do? I'm human. Sue me.

12. CATERPILLAR “You flicker And you're beautiful You glow inside my head
You hold me hypnotized I'm mesmerized Your flames The flames that kiss me dead “
What is your favorite insect? You know, I've never really considered HAVING a favorite insect. I mean... bugs are bugs are bugs. As long as they're outside.... they're all kind of all right with me. Well, other than anything that buzzes when it flies or stings... or even worse -- BOTH! There is no room for THOSE kind of bugs in my Utopian society. I like pill bugs or roly poly bugs. Snails, are they bugs? I think snails are cool. We had some as pets once. They're hermaphroditic... did you know that? Yeah, those two turned into like four hundred and eighty snails real quick. They like red leaf lettuce. But if snails aren't bugs, then I'd definitely have to say butterflies. They're so dainty and beautiful.

13. CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES “Sometimes I'm dreaming Expressionless the trance Sometimes I'm dreaming So many different names Sometimes I'm dreaming The sounds all stay the same “
What era in history would you like to visit for one day? I would LOVE to go back to the old West. I'd like to see how the women cooked and gardened and quilted and lived. However, I think it'd be quite awesome to go back to biblical days and see Jesus speak. How about witnessing the dinosaurs first hand so you could tell the scientists they were full of pook on some of their theories. What about going back to the days of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round table.... or to witness George Washington crossing the Potomac or ... wow, too many to choose from. OOOOh wait.... I'll take the sports almanac and go back and place some bets! Ha ha! I'll OWN this country!

Rock 'n Roll Fridays with Billy Joel

Hi I'm DJ KathyA! Welcome to Rock 'n Roll Fridays. We are like other memes in that we will ask you thirteen questions each and every Friday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a singer, band, era or category and pick thirteen of their lyrics. Each of our questions will be based on the lyrics. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Billy Joel. The song's lyrics are in bold.

1. PIANO MAN… “Sing us a song, you're the piano man, Sing us a song tonight. Well, we're all in the mood for a melody, And you've got us feelin' alright”
What is your favorite Karaoke song to sing with? Wow, I haven't sung karaoke in years... I've done everything from The Judds to Shania Twain to stupid sing along rock songs. I don't have a favorite, though.

2. CAPTAIN JACK… "Saturday night and you're still hangin' around, Tired of livin' in your one-horse town. Like to find a little hole in the ground, For a while”
If you grew up in a one-horse town, are you still there, or did you try living somewhere else? I grew up in a two-horse town. Ha! In all seriousness, I grew up in Irving, Texas. It was an older town then and since has had its share of hard times. The town is being overrun by illegal immigrants and unless you speak Spanish, you really can't communicate with anyone. It's just pathetic what it's become. I left there and went to another suburb nearby but ultimately have moved away and have no plan to ever return. I just don't like what it's become.

3. NEW YORK STATE OF MIND…"It comes down to reality-and it's fine with me 'cause I've let it slide, Don't care if it's Chinatown or Riverside, I don't have any reasons, I've left them all behind- I'm in a New York state of mind.”
What is your favorite New York food? Man... I love New York! I LOVE IT! I love the food in Little Italy! I love the food in Chinatown. I love the street dog vendors. I love Ruth Chris' Steakhouse. I loved Tavern on the Green. I love the giant pizza slices that you fold to eat.

4. SHE’S ALWAYS A WOMAN TO ME… "But she'll bring out the best And the worst you can be, Blame it all on yourself, Cause she's always a woman to me”
Has someone else ever brought out the best or worse in you? Of course... my ex brought out the very worst in me...and that is why he is my ex. My children bring out the best in me (most of the time). I'm a realist, live isn't peachy 100% of the time.

5. MOVIN OUT… "Workin' too hard can give you a heart attack ack ack ack ack ack, You oughta know by now. Who needs a house out in Hackensack? Is that what you get for your money?”
What is the most annoying line from a song lyric of all time? Have you got a few months? There are tons of them. Alan Jackson sings some pretty stupid songs... That ridiculous MMM MMM MMM song or the song about the diner with "doo doo doo doo" by Jane Weidlan I think. Or Mr. Roboto by Styx.. ANYTHING from Rush -- their 15 minute songs annoy me to no end. I've Got Friends in Low Places by Garth or anything sung by Reba is a bad lyric (her voice makes me want to claw my eyes out).

6. ONLY THE GOOD DIE YOUNG… "They say there's a heaven for those who will wait. Some say it's better but I say it ain't. I'd rather laugh with the sinners than cry with the saints …Sinners are much more fun...”
What would heaven be like for you? A shopping mall? A forest? Mansion? Do tell… You know, I think about this often... because it seems really ridiculous sometimes to imagine a "Heaven" ... it leaves me questioning faith and belief at times... because everyone's idea of heaven is different... so what's to say anyone's idea is wrong. Is it all peaceful, white and in the sky or is it just nothingness... So to think about just a place (currently) as being my "heaven" on earth... I believe in a cabin, in the mountains in Colorado -- perhaps Estes Park near a natural forest with my boys (all of them...the big one, too, of course) and my four legged kids.

7. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE… "Don't go trying some new fashion, Don't change the color of your hair. You always have my unspoken passion, Although I might not seem to care…”
Have you ever changed something about yourself to please somebody else? Yes, and doing so is WRONG WRONG WRONG. NEVER change who you are to suit ANYONE UNLESS... you have some like ... self-destructive habits, then THAT you should change... but otherwise, don't be something you're not becuase you'll regret it, blame that person and there will be that between you forever.

8. STILL ROCK N ROLL TO ME… "Should I try to be a straight `A' student?
If you are then you think too much. Don't you know about the new fashion honey? All you need are looks and a whole lotta money. It's the next phase, new wave, dance craze, anyways , it's still rock and roll to me…”
What besides “looks and a whole lotta money” would you require in a mate? loyalty, humor, strong, sensitive, manly, love, smell good, honest, trustworthy, ethical, moral, kind, compassionate, caring....

9. YOU MAY BE RIGHT… "You may be right, I may be crazy. But it just may be a lunatic you're looking for…”
Do you like bad boys (girls) or good boys (girls)? I think everyone has a side of them for the taboo of the "bad boy" but at the end of the day... is that the kind of person you'd be most happy with? Probably not.

10. WE DIDN’T START THE FIRE… “Wheel of Fortune, Sally Ride, heavy metal, suicide, Foreign debts, homeless vets, AIDS, crack, Bernie Goetz, Hypodermics on the shores, China's under martial law, Rock and roller cola wars, I can't take it anymore”
List 13 things for a Billy Joel verse in this aggravating song… Fannie Maye, income tax, bail out, oil spills, stock market, terrorism, cancer, global warming, double standards, genocide in Sudan, Mexico's drug cartel, bankrupt USA, carbon footprints

11. TELL HER ABOUT IT… "Tell her about it. Tell her all your crazy dreams. Let her know you need her, Let her know how much she means…”
Have you told your significant other or dearest family member recently how much
they mean to you? I try to every day.

12. UPTOWN GIRL… “I’m in love with an uptown girl, She's been living in her white bread world. As long as anyone with hot blood can, And now she's looking for a downtown man. That's what I am…”
Have you dated someone above or below your “level”? (richer or poorer). Did you feel comfortable with them? Yes and yes. I'm quite comfortable with anyone who is their "real" genuine self. Money only gets you better steak --doesn't make you a better person or more desirable to be with. On the other hand, if you think you're "above" my level, you're sadly mistaken... if that's the case, I wouldn't give that kind of individual the time of day.

13. THE LONGEST TIME… “Who knows how much further we'll go on. Maybe I'll be sorry when you're gone. I'll take my chances, I forgot how nice romance is, I haven't been there for the longest time”
What is the longest you have gone without a love relationship? Who really keeps track of that kind of time? Probably 10 years (since I was 10 when I had my first "boyfriend") bwa ha ha ha ha. Michael Bates in 4th grade. "Will you go with me?"

Rock 'n Roll Fridays - Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson

And we're back with Rock N Roll Fridays! I LOVE music and, well, I LOVE memes! Put them together and you've got perfection in my book! So... here's the info... rock on!

Welcome to Rock 'n Roll Fridays. We are like other memes in that we will ask you thirteen questions each and every Friday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a singer, band, era or category and pick thirteen of their lyrics. Each of our questions will be based on the lyrics. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked A Halloween Treat: Alice Cooper & Marilyn Manson. The song's lyrics are in bold.

ALICE COOPER :

1. SCHOOL’S OUT : “School’s out for summer. School’s out forever…”
What was your best summer vacation memory as a child? Wow, that's a tough question seeing that my memory really sucks past... oh... 10 years back. I don't really have a vacation memory that is specific... I just remember the summer nights spent playing freeze tag and hide-and-seek in the neighborhood. Days waiting for the ice cream truck outside our house. Riding flying turtles down the driveway. Riding my bicycle to Lori's house. Having sleepovers with Shannon. Just generic (yet, very special) memories of summer itself, nothing specific, however.

2. BILLION DOLLAR BABIES : “Billion dollar baby, I got you in a dimestore
No other little girl could ever Hold you any tighter, any tighter than me baby”
What was the last thing you remember buying in a dimestore? Candy. I had a serious sweet tooth--and the cavities to prove it.

3. WELCOME TO MY NIGHTMARE : “Welcome to my breakdown,
I hope I didn't scare you. That's just the way we are, When you come down!
We sweat laugh and scream here, Cause laugh is just a dream here…”
Can you tell us about a nightmare you have had recently? I can generally remember them when I wake up but who wants to focus on remembering bad things? But yes, I generally have them ... gosh, at least once a week and it's usually involving my children. Ugh! Who would WANT to remember that? I'm living a nightmare right now, however, with the situation with my mother-in-law.

4. ELECTED : “We're gonna win this one, take the country by storm
We're gonna be elected, You and me together, young and strong”
Democrats, Republicans or Tea Party? Who will sweep the elections? Hopefully the Tea Party so that the conservative-minded, small-government seeking individuals will be elected.

5. NO MORE MISTER NICE GUY : “My dog bit me on the leg today
My cat clawed my eye, Mom's been thrown out of the social circles, And dad has to hide…”
Have you ever done something that embarrassed your family? Hasn't everyone? For real...being a kid is all about doing stupid crap that embarrasses your family.

6. SICK THINGS : “Sick things, in cars, rotate round. My stars. Sick things. Pretty things…”
Have you ever been motion sick? Was it in a car, on a plane, or on a boat? I have felt nauseated due to motion but never actually got "sick" because of it. Typically it's in a car -- I can't read in cars. I get severe headaches. I was sick on my honeymoon when we went on an ocean cruise on a catamaran (I think)... but I was already ill. So, having an already sick stomach and then going on a boat wasn't the smartest thing to do.

7. I LOVE THE DEAD : “I love the dead before they’re cold, their blueing flesh for me to hold. Cadaver eyes upon me see nothing. I love the dead before they rise, No farewells, no goodbyes…”
What celebrity death really bothered you? None of them. I don't personally know these people... they're just personalities created by the media. As such, I'm not going to attach feelings to something that isn't "real."

8. SCIENCE FICTION : “Forever I’ll enjoy your under-achievement, I gonna see you every day now if I can, Why then don't the night show really matters, I still wake on the fields of regret”
What is your favorite science fiction movie? Science fiction... hands down -- Lord of the Rings. But, is that Science Fiction? Or is that just fiction? Star Wars? Heck? What IS Science Fiction... I liked the movie Stargate and I like, too, the movie with Bruce Willis where he's guarding Mila Jovavich (though the name escapes me right now). I even liked Minority Report with the freak-of-nature Tom Cruise.

MARILYN MANSON :

9. WHITE KNUCKLES : Fistfuls of you… You pulled me through with white knuckles… Fistfuls of you”
Has someone ever grabbed you to save you from a dangerous situation? Not that I'm aware of.

10. THIS IS HALLOWEEN : “I am the clown with the tear-away face. Here in a flash and gone without a trace. I am the "who" when you call, "Who's there?" I am the wind blowing through your hair. I am the shadow on the moon at night. Filling your dreams to the brim with fright”
What is the oddest thing you ever did on Halloween? I should say that dressing up and going door to door begging for candy is pretty odd if you think about it. Otherwise, I've done nothing. My parents were police officers. There was no misbehavin'.

11. THE WOW : “I’m worse than what you think you’d catch from me. Complicated’s understated. Did you stop and take a look at who you fell in love with?”
Have you ever been through a divorce? Yes.

12. THE FOOD PYRAMID : “Everybody! My body is a pyramid that's made of healthy food so do what we say (yeah) eat right every day (food) I love you.”
What does your food pyramid look like? I'll say that it looks pretty close to the ideal pyramid. Yeah, I need to mix in a few more salads--who doesn't.

13. THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE : “Hey you, what do you see?
Something beautiful, something free? Hey you, why you trying to be mean?
You live with apes man, it's hard to be clean”
What makes a person beautiful? Lots of qualities make a person beautiful... loyalty, authenticity, generosity, compassion, love, understanding...

Rock 'n Roll Fridays - Hits of the 50s

I can't even begin to tell you how freakin' excited I was to find this meme! Rock N Roll Fridays! I LOVE music and, well, I LOVE memes! PUt them together and you've got perfection in my book! So... here's the info... rock on!

Welcome to Rock 'n Roll Fridays. We are like other memes in that we will ask you thirteen questions each and every Friday. But our little "twist" is that each week we will pick a singer, band, era or category and pick thirteen of their lyrics. Each of our questions will be based on the lyrics. Got it? Great! Let's begin this week's meme!

Today we picked Hits of the 50s. The song's lyrics are in italics.

1. Rock Around The Clock - Bill Haley & His Comets
“Put your glad rags on and join me hon', We'll have some fun when the clock strikes one. We're gonna rock around the clock tonight, We're gonna rock, rock, rock till broad daylight.”
What artist was the last live concert you went to see?
Rick Springfield! He's been the last one I saw live... at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth--twice! Love him!

2. Tutti-Frutti - Little Richard
“Got a girl named Sue. She knows just what to do. She rocks to the East, she rocks to the West, But she’s the girl that I know best!”
If you had to live on the East Coast or the West Coast, which would you chose?
You know, I don't think I'd prefer to live in any coast as I'm just not a "beachy" type person. I prefer MORE clothes rather than less. I don't tan, you see. I don't like sand in places that sand doesn't belong. However, if I must choose, I think it would (again) depend on if I COULD choose WHERE on the coast I lived. For instance, I would prefer the NORTHERN portion of the west coast (think Oregon or Washington) or the middle portion of the east coast

3. Summertime Blues - Eddie Cochran
“I'm gonna take my problem to the United Nations, Well I called my congressman and he said Quote: "I'd like to help you son but you're too young to vote"”
Have you decided who to elect for the Senate in your local elections?
I hate politics and all politicians are, generally speaking, corrupt. I believe they go in there with the best of intentions but they all wind up like the rest. Plus, I want to know any job anywhere else where you can serve ONE term and get paid your salary for life? Talk about a burden to the American people? Someone with real intent would realize that this policy is corrupt and change it for the benefit of AMERICA. But, to get off my soap box about politics.... I have not yet decided for whom I will vote in the elections.

4. Great Balls Of Fire - Jerry Lee Lewis
“I chew my nails and then I twiddle my thumbs, I'm real nervous, but it sure is fun, C´mon baby, you're drivin' my crazy”
When was the last time you chewed your nails and twiddled your thumbs?
I do not chew my nails. I don't have nervous habits. I think it's a disgusting habit. It's one thing if you have a hangnail and no clippers, it's another to sit around like a mental patient eating your hand. As far as twiddling my thumbs... never.

5. Earth Angel – Penguins
“I fell for you and I knew, The vision of your loveliness, I hope and pray I'll be the vision of your happiness”
Did you fall in love quickly with your significant other?
No, I tried to deny the fact that I cared for him as deeply as I did. I had pretty much sworn off relationships and refused to believe the any of the lines of BS that came from their mouths... regardless of how cute they were.

6. Roll Over Beethoven - Chuck Berry
“Hey diddle diddle, I am playin' my fiddle,ain't got nothin' to lose Roll Over Beethoven and tell Tschaikowsky the news”
What is your favorite classical music selection?
As if I know the names of any of them... I liked most of the selections chosen by Disney's The Little Einsteins! Ha!

7. Blueberry Hill - Fats Domino
“I found my thrill on Blueberry Hill”
Where did you find YOUR thrill?
I find my thrill in lots of places... my family... my hobbies... cooking... filling my spiritual tank with the Word.

8. The Great Pretender – Platters
“Oh yes, I'm the great pretender, Pretending I'm doing well, My need is such
I pretend too much, I'm lonely but no one can tell”
Do you pretend that everything is fine when on the phone with your family /friends so not to reveal your true situation if it is not so rosy?
I have in the past which led them to all be in disbelief when I filed for divorce. Not anymore because I refuse to live a lie.

9. Charlie Brown – Coasters
“Charlie Brown, Charlie Brown, He's a clown, that Charlie Brown”
Who is your favorite PEANUTS character and why?
I love Peanuts so it's hard to pick just one character. I adore Snoopy. I recall having a plush Snoopy as a child that was a lot like the Build-A-Bear type creatures where you can buy clothes for it and such. I remember having a pair of denim jeans with a little hole cut out the back for his tail. I thought those were SO COOL! I love Charlie Brown, too. I feel a lot like him sometimes. Not a big fan of Lucy, she reminded me of my older sister. Woodstock was cute. Linus and his piano playing was obviously cool. I guess it'd be the Snoopster or C-Brown.

10. Poison Ivy – Coasters
“Measles make you bumpy and mumps’ll make you lumpy, And chicken pox’ll make you jump and twitch, A common cold’ll cool you but whooping cough’ll fool you, But poison ivy’s gonna make you itch”
Do you have any allergies? If not, did you get a Flu shot this year?
No allergies and no flu shot.

11. Love Potion No. 9 – Clovers
“ She bent down and turned around and gave me a wink
She said "I'm gonna make it up right here in the sink"
It smelled like turpentine, it looked like Indian ink
I held my nose, I closed my eyes, I took a drink”
What is the worst thing you ever drank?
I'd say it's have to be some sort of mixed drink with a foul name. I think most of those are just created on a dare anyway.

12. Get A Job – Silhouettes
“After breakfast, everyday, she throws the want ads right my way, And never fails to say, Get a job Sha na na na, sha na na na na”
Have you ever been unemployed? If so, how did you find a job?
Yes. It sucked. I used a headhunter in the legal industry and networked to find my next job.

13. Sixteen Candles – Crests
“You're only sixteen (sixteen) But you're my teenage queen (you're my queen) You're the prettiest, loveliest girl I've ever seen”
How did you celebrate your 16th birthday?
I don't even remember so that's a sign that my memory sucks, huh?