New

It's the last day of August and tonight was the last episode of Royal Pains (until Winter).  It just now truly dawned on me that summer is really over.  Boo!  Then it got me to thinking about shopping for school clothes. 

I remember when I was younger and getting ready for the new school year meant a new wardrobe.  Of course ours wasn't a huge amount.  It was more like 1 pair of shoes, maybe a couple of pair of pants, a few shirts and one dress (and that dress was for picture day).

One of the memories I have is us going with my Momma to Anthony's (sometimes the downtown store or sometimes the location in the mall if we were feeling fancy), trying on clothes and then her putting them on lay-away.  Does anyone remember that store?  Every year that was our process.  I thought that was how everyone bought their new clothes.

When I started making money by babysitting, I did the same thing.  I was 12 years old and babysat my two small cousins in the summer of 1982.  The moment I knew I was going to be making money, I knew exactly what my first lay-away item was going to be and that was my first pair of Nike's. My first purchase was these fantastic royal blue Nike's with a white Swoosh. The main reason I chose that color was because I was starting junior high and our school colors were blue and white. Go Dogies!! Even then, I was always thinking.

I couldn't even tell you how much the sneakers cost but it took me all summer to earn the money to buy them.  And I did it!  I walked to the mall with my best friend, Tina to make my final payment.  I remember walking on Cloud 9 with my shoes in hand.  That was one of the proudest days for me.  I know that growing up poor truly has made me the person I am today.  It made me appreciate having a job and proud to be able to take care of myself. 

Since I can't go and buy a new wardrobe anytime soon, I can buy a few new tunes for my iPod.  Today's theme is, you guessed it; New. Now some of these may not be brand-spankin' new but new to my play list.  Hope you enjoy them.

 This makes me want to do the Snoopy Dance.

I have been thinking of this song so I had to buy it.

One sexy song!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

I am not Jaded

The other day I read this article on ew.com called "When bad relationships ruin great music..."  As I was reading it I tried to think of those songs that fell into that category for me.  But I couldn't think of any.  Why is that?  I guess it's because as bad as all those relationships were, I still can't bring myself not to still like the music.  That's how much I love music.  Even a bad break-up can't make me forget about a great song.  I guess I'm weird that way. 

Since I didn't have any songs that fell into the above category I've decided that today's soundtrack will be based on songs that remind me of old boyfriends. They are not all romantic, they just remind of that certain person.  I hope you enjoy this.  I would love to know if you are like me or the article. 

This reminds of my boyfriend at UTA.

I think of my high school sweetheart when I hear this one.

It came out about the time he dumped me.

This reminds of a guy I dated in high school.

I hate to admit this but I only went out with him

so that I would ensure have a 

homecoming date during my senior year.

Come on, I was 17 and on the Drill Team.

I didn't want to be the only girl without a date.

The first older guy I dated.

A marine and a bit of a bad boy.

The one that got away.

The first really younger guy I dated.

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Cheesy L-O-V-E

As you know, I am 41 and single.  I am still doing the online dating thing but lately it's made me want to slash my wrists.  I am not joking. It's scary out there.  I know that some people think I make up what I receive or who contacts me but I am not.  The last few months have been down right pitiful. I decided to share my pain with you.  I will be kind and not include the photos but I will give you their i.d. and a description.  So enjoy my misery.

Guy #1 - peruviancowboy: That's pretty much all I can say.
Guy #2 - stachdaddy:  you guessed it, this dude has a mustache.  But not any regular mustache but a creepy, flesh colored mustache.  GROSS!
Guy #3 - Texdaddy: who is about 300 pounds
Guy #4: Mrtunafish: What? Oh and his first date would be at a zoo.

This is my life people.  Pretty darn sad.  But I still have hope.  I found this website: http://notebookoflove.com/ and follow their twitter account. I know to some people it might think it's a little cheesy but it helps me.

Since I am still looking for the One, today's soundtrack is love and hopefulness.  Cheesy, yes but who cares.  Hope you enjoy it.

Great make-out song. Was that out loud?

Holy cats!  I forgot about this song!

Love everything he does.

Oh Reverend - sing it!

Thanks for reading my blog!

Julie

Le Freak - The man who created the soundtrack our lives

I am assuming that the title of my blog gives you an understanding about how much I love music.  I can't sing, play a guitar or write lyrics but I am a fiend when comes to music.  And I love reading book, watching documentaries and blogs about music.  I can't get enough of it. Every so often, I come across something that just gets me in my heart.  This time it's a blog.

This blog is by Nile Rodgers. If you don't know who he is, trust me you know his music.  He is one of the greatest musicians and he's worked with everyone.  I just started reading his blog and it has given me a new lease on life.  He was diagnosed with cancer last year and is now chronicling his battle.  I can't imagine being so upbeat and dealing with something so horrible as cancer.  But he is doing it.  And God bless him for that.  Check out his blog if you get a moment: http://nilerodgers.com/.

Now that I have given you some info on the most fantastic Mr. Rodgers, I will now give you my soundtrack theme.  Yes, it's Nile Rodgers' music. Trust me - you will know each song and want to get up and dance.  I hope you enjoy this soundtrack.

You know his band, Chic.  Niles in on the left playing bass.

He wrote and produced this song.

Ditto for this one.

And we can't forget this one.
I know you recognize the riff on this one.

We can thank Nile's for this one.
How many wedding receptions have played this one?

How much did I want to see this concert when I was 15?

As you can see, you do know Nile Rodgers.  Now each time you hear these songs you will know that there was a mad genius behind them.  We can thank him for literally building the soundtrack to our lives. When you get a minute, send him some good thoughts, vibes and prayers.  

Thanks for reading my blog!

Julie

This week is full of Dudes.

Okay, I have been a major slacker and I have blogged in almost two weeks.  Not a lot happening here.  You wanna know what's truly sad? It's Friday night and I am excited that I have cleaned half of my apartment and I caught up on this past week's episode of Royal Pains.  Are you watching that show?  I love the main character, Hank but can't stand his brother.  UGG!!   Anyhoos, I love it.  It makes me wish I was rich, vacationed in the Hamptons and was able to wear white without spilling anything on it.   Besides my TV show and mopping the floor, that is my big excitement.  I truly need to meet a man.

So the cast of the "The Big Lebowski" had a reunion this past week. If you have not seen it, urge you to.  It's complete nonsense but great nonsense.  Since I've had my squatter; Oliver I've always called him "The Dude" because he reminds of the real "Dude".  Now I can finally share my dude with you.  This is what I see every day.  And each time it makes me laugh my butt off.

Oh, I completely forgot.  I did have a major event this week.  This past Wednesday, I went to see one of my favorite groups, Stone Temple Pilots.  I met my friend, Niki and her husband, Josh at the show. Now if you know me, you know that I LURVES me some Scott Weiland.  I've loved him through all his heroine addictions, rehabs, jail stints, band break-ups, everything. Here is the big thing.  I have seen them about 4 times but this time I was on the FRONT ROW!!!  I went crazy nuts.  It was all that I had hoped for and more.  Of course, he was a bit drunk and made no sense when he was talking but when he sang; completely awesomely fantastic!  He rambled on about Notre Dame football and Texas having soul  What that means, I don't know.  Our plan was to stalk him after the show but Niki's husband really wasn't up to it. But at least we had some good pictures from FRONT ROW!!  The next day my ears were ringing and felt stuffy, my feet were hurting and my voice was a little shot.  I can't decide if it was because I was next to the speaker or because I am getting old.  Either way it was completely worth it.

My MAN!!!

So great!!!

Me & my friend, Niki. We both love Scott!

For today's soundtrack, it's Dudes.  Hope you enjoy it.  Don't forget to stay cool.

 

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

Let's get original folks: ie, why another Footloose?

Last Sunday I saw Crazy Stupid Love with a few of my friends. We've been planning to see that movie since about April and we made sure that we went on opening weekend.  But this post isn't going to be about how great the movie is or about Ryan Gosling's perfect abs, thighs or butt.  Or even about how great that man looks even while eating pizza.  Okay now I have to post the image of him. Hold on, I think I need a cigarette. 

You are welcome!

No, I am going to talk about the lack of originality.  This is not about the movie because it was fan-freakin'-tastic!  It's about what a mockery of a sham of joke I saw during the previews.  What was the tragedy?  They are making a new version of Footloose with Juliana Hough.  What!!!  Seriously?!!?!?!?!? Only one Ren McCormick folks.  If it happened in the '80's then let it stay in it's glory. And it's not like the Karate Kid where they gave it a new location, etc.  No, I did not see that one because honestly I do no think that Will Smith's kid is a good actor.  I know I will probably get some flack because I don't like him but I don't give a care.  In my defense, I present my case of amazing children actors: Dakota Fanning, Jody Foster and Tatum O'Neil. Case closed.

Okay, back to where I was going before I started down another avenue.  Why is Hollywood getting so lazy?  Come on!!  I know there has got to be a million original screenplays which are probably 1000 times better than a remake.  Good Will Hunting anyway?   It's truly sad to know that new, original ideas are sitting out there and being neglected.  Instead let's just rehash something and present the audience with a polished turd.  Yes, I said it.  Hollywood seems like they are just taking a big poo on us.  Don't get me wrong, I love movies and look forward to each major movie award show. But I have to come to the conclusion that maybe being original is so passe'.

All right, I am over my rant.  I just needed to share my frustration with all seven of you that read my blog. By the way, thank you for choosing to reading my blog.  I know there are some really great blogs out there and I appreciate you giving mine a chance.  Speaking of other blogs, I found a great one. I am totally in blog-love with this one: http://www.crazytxmommy.com/.  I will be adding it to my reading list.

Not sure on what the theme for today's soundtrack.  Frustration?  Footloose tunes?  Hmmm....  How about music from original films?  Okay, settled.  Enjoy!!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie

So do you like stuff?

Whew, I am exhausted!  I had such a great weekend.  I was really hoping for another extra Sunday. 

I really just want to talk about my event-filled Friday night.  The plan was to go to a movie screening with my friend, Dawn to see "Beats Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest".  It was directed by Michael Rapaport.  If you don't know who he is, let me refresh your memory.   All lovers of the TV show Friends will remember him as Phoebe's cop boyfriend, Gary.  He was also in Beautiful Girls (love that movie) with Timothy Hutton and Matt Dillon.  Did I mention that he was going to be there for a Q&A after the film? Woo!!

Unfortunately Ms. Dawn was feeling well but she did make sure that I was able to go.  What a sweetheart! I ended up taking my friend Michelle with me.  That's us at the theater after the movie.

The film was really good.  We both enjoyed it.  Then came the Q&A with one Mr. Rapaport.  It was really funny and interesting.  Turns out that I knew both moderators that were on the Q&A panel. I worked with both of them in my past life.  So we had a chance to chit-chat with them after it.  Then the coolest thing happened.  M.R. walked passed us and my buddy, Skin asked him if he wouldn't mind taking a picture with me. I was completely unprepared and was a complete idiot.  Below is the proof.

Geez, how short am I?

The night gets better because Skin was able to get me and Michelle into the after party at this swanky hotel.  Wasn't sure what to expect when we arrived there.  Basically we were at a club in a little area that had a few couches and some nice liquid beverages.  It really wasn't a private area or even roped off so that was kind of weird. I just assumed it would be, like what you would see in the movies.

We got there and said a few hellos then hit the dance floor.  Now here's the problem, the music basically sucked.  Nonetheless, we made the best of it and danced like there was no tomorrow.   The main reason for us going to the after party was that so I could talk to M.R. and then he would totally and completely fall for me.  Here's the deal, I have a thing for red-heads.  I don't know what it is, but I do.  Maybe because they are completely opposite of me.  I blame one Rick Astley for that. :)  Anyway, I envisioned him seeing me and hearing "Dreamweaver", just like in Wayne's World.

I ended up going up to him and once again became a total and complete dork. It was more like this:

Yes folks, I am so much smoother online than in real life. I honestly thought I would be this cool, interesting person. Turns out, I am the 15 year old, insecure geek that still lurks inside of me.  Oh well, it was still a great night. Watched a great movie, had a wonderful time with my friend Michelle and met a star. That's not a bad Friday night.

I have been going back and forth on the theme for today's soundtrack.  After much debate, the theme is red.  Enjoy!

Thanks for reading my blog!
Julie