Funny Friday

A new twist. Formal Friday is now Funny Friday. Enjoy...


Cyanide & Happiness @ Explosm.net

Thirsty Thursday Thread

Thirsty Thursday will now be more like a weekly reader. I know you all are going to be at your daily grind on Friday and you will need something to take your mind away to the weekend. These are a few links I feel are fun or important. Take your time, have fun, and let the weekend begin in style. (you just click on the blue link and each one will take you to a new place!!)

• Congress: Stop Media Consolidation
• Join Wexler’s Call for Cheney Impeachment Hearings
• The truth about sex education and abstinence only programs and the funding of such programs
• SAHM beware of the trend: You don’t work…
• Are women the equivalent of dogs?
• Because all you need is a trophy wife.
• Rape: does it really exist in a relationship? Shouldn’t you be the one to decide?
• I like my girls curvy.
• We don’t tip over because our butts get bigger.
• Can comedy come in forms where women aren’t kill joys?

Wordless Wednesday: Catchen' up

It's a bird, It's a plane, NOOOOO, It's Alec Claus

Musical Monday: RIP Dan Fogelberg

A special thanks to my mom and dad for giving me the opportunity to listen to great music.

Santa Dilemma

Yes it is Christmas time again, the time I loathe. It would make it tradition by locking myself far away in a place where no one can find me, BUT it is also time for my birthday. I guess that is cause enough for celebration.

I know you are saying, “Well if you hate Christmas, then why are you writing about it?” See, I have this small child who doesn’t share my disgust with the holiday yet. I’m not really writing about Christmas per say, but the idea of some of the traditions our culture practices. I have been struggling the last few week about the idea of Santa Claus. I can’t stand the idea of leading my child on to believe in something so fake and stupid.

From the moment I was able to understand that there was a fat man that made his way down my chimney every Christmas Eve, ate my cookies, left me presents, and then flew away on his shinny nosed reindeer I didn’t believe it was true. Yet, my parents kept insisting that there was this idiot of a man that would waste all his time and money on stupid little kids only behaving during this time of the year to insure they got their name put on the nice list instead of the naughty. Needless to say, when I found out he didn’t exist, my heart shattered. I locked myself in a little lie saying “oh, Santa is the Christmas spirit.” Well its rubbish. People don’t know the concept of Christmas spirit anymore. I was almost run over in the Target parking lot a few days ago, walking with Alec in my arms in the rain. The guy honked at me and flipped me off. I spit on his window and told him that he was a moron, and if he dare hit me or my child with his car, I would kill him. Yeah…that’s real Christmassy.

OK, I digressed. My dilemma is how I am going to NOT tell my son that Santa exists. Oh, you heard right. I am not going to perpetuate that lie. I want a foundation of nothing but utter trust and honesty with my son. It has to start with me, and there will be no fantasy creatures running around my house. We already have a ghost to deal with, and that’s enough. Everyone tells him, “oh you are a good boy; Santa will be proud, bla bla bla…” I can’t stand it. I know that his dad wants him to believe, but I just can’t do it.

My dad claims that he never led me to believe, but he never made me think anything otherwise. This is why I am standing by the fact that I need to tell him. I don’t think that this year is the year to worry too much about it. He is more fascinated with the pretty lights and tree than anything. My mom seems to think that I’ll ruin his childhood innocence. I just say BOLOGNA to that. He can be just as excited about opening presents as the next kid. He can learn about giving from me, and I will be teaching him more about it showing him giving all year round.

I won’t get into my Santa issues and theories, but if you would like to hear them sometime let me know. I have a slew of them at hand. I just can’t stand people living in this fantasy world anymore. It’s time they wake up and realize what the hell they really are celebrating in the first place.

Happy Holidays to all.

Song bird Sunday: Rocket Man

Haiku

Haiku

Inside my son's eyes
I see immortality
Mirrored in mine eye

Unnoticed

Hi, Mam, coffee please…and make it strong

Something on your mind dear?

Nothing and everything, all at once
My head is burdened by a world of hate
How do I help? Can I make a change?

Well, dear, what will you have?

A world full of passion
One that drips love and kindness
A planet that takes the hurt and encumbers
It in its bosom until all is compete…
All are equal

No, dear, what will you have to eat?

Oh.
Nothing.
Thanks.

Formal Friday: Planned Parenthood

When I say the name Planned Parenthood, what comes to mind?

For me, I think of help.

I had started going to planned parenthood when I was just over 16. My mother took me to a OB-Gyn for the first time. She told me that it was important that a woman take care of herself and get a womanly physical each year. While we were at the doctor's office, some issues came to the forefront. It seemed that I had Endometriosis. The only drug available to help with this issue is birth control pills. Apparently the hormones in the pills help regulate the abdominal pain by lessening the amount of estrogen in the body. My insurance would not pay for the birth control pills because they are an elective medication. They referred me to the closest PP, the one in Avon.

I would go each month to PP and pay for my medication, all of 5 dollars a month. This was much better than the $50 I would of had to pay at the pharmacy. I started getting my annual physical there as well (which was free until I turned 21, then it cost $15). If it were not for PP, I would have spent an arm load for medical treatment I needed, or I would have stopped seeking the treatment I needed.

I currently read this blog and I was moved by the change in perspective this doctor had. IN fact, my favorite lines in the whole things are this:

In fact, it may sound ironic, but I’m pretty confident when I say this: No matter what your
feelings are about the subject, there would be more abortions performed in this
country if Planned Parenthood didn’t exist. Let me explain.
The patients I’ve seen have been, in general, young, healthy women, ages 12 to 26. They
come in primarily for three things:

1. annual exams (pap smears, breast exams, etc.),
2. sexually-transmitted infection (STIs) diagnosis and treatment,
3. and birth control.

In general, I was a participant in numbers 1 and 3 (They automatically do 2 when you go for an annual exam).

I now am without insurance, and I will be going back to my roots to keep taking care of myself. If it weren't for PP, I don't know if I could.

Thirsty Thursday: sleep

It is no secret that we are living in a sleep deprived country. Most people I know brag about how little they sleep. In fact, my friends harp on me for taking a small nap during the day when Alec goes down. I feel I need it just as much as he does, but I take only a smaller amount (he goes for four hours, I go for 30 min.). It is true that I work on little sleep, but my poor body is feeling the tolls of shorter nights and longer days. I have found myself to be more irritable, tired, less energetic, more apt to watch television, and more likely to eat high fat/carbohydrated food. I would like to change that about myself. I am bringing you along for my sleep ride.

While doing some research, I found some interesting fact about sleep:

• Those who sleep fewer than six hours a night don't live as long as those who sleep seven hours or more.
• The National Commission on Sleep Disorders estimates that sleep deprivation costs $150 billion a year in higher stress and reduced workplace productivity.
• Getting the sleep that you need is likely to enhance your overall quality of life
• The more you invest in your sleep, the bigger return you will see in everything else that you do. Sleeping is your most valuable activity of the day.
  

These are just a few. I provided some links to check out on sleeping positives and negativies.

I decided a few months ago to try and sleep better. I covered all my windows in my bedroom with black fabric, made my room comfy and cozy, and made sure that all electronic equpment was turned off when I went to bed. I have been sleeping better, but my sleep still isn't satisfying to me. I decided to look online to see if there were a few things I was missing, and you know what, there were. At Sleep Education.com
I found that there were many things to do to get better rest. I didn't realize that there were different sleeping habits for women and men (which I find it hard to believe) but you should check them out for yourselves. I'm only going to post ones that are for women because I'm a woman. If you want to find out more, you will have to do a little of your own research.

• Make your bedroom a comfortable and safe place. Reduce noises and extreme temperatures that might disturb you.
• Use light and comfortable bed linens and garments.
• Go to bed only when you are sleepy and use the bed only for sleeping and sex.
• Begin rituals to help you relax at bedtime, such as taking a soothing bath or enjoying a light snack.
• Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, including weekends and holidays.
• If you need to take a nap, keep it to less than one hour and take it before 3 p.m.
• Only drink caffeine in the morning, and avoid alcohol and cigarettes late in the day.
• Stay away from fatty, spicy foods that are likely to upset your stomach or cause heartburn.
• Set aside time during the day to get all of your worries out of your system.
• Increase vitamin E in your diet, or take a vitamin E supplement.
• Hormone replacement therapy may help you sleep better by relieving severe hot flashes related to menopause. Ask your doctor for advice about this kind of treatment.
• Only use sleeping pills when supervised by a doctor.
• Talk to your doctor or a sleep specialist if you have an ongoing problem related to your sleep.

Happy Sleeping!

Tirade Tuesday: people

I am so tired of people. I think I'm beginning to loathe the entire human race, with the exception of children. Why is it that we constantly refer to people that we don't share values with as immature and childish. Last time I checked children actually had more sense than most "adults" I know. My son can sit there and play nicely (and share) with someone he has never met before, regardless of color, gender, culture, and beliefs. It is a shame that you all consider yourself adults. My 18 month old has more sense than you...well, actually he sometimes has more sense than me.

*disclaimer* if you think it's about you, it just might not be. Quit jumping to conclusions and answering out of hate. I assure you it's not about you anymore.

Song Bird Sunday: Go to sleep

I love this woman.



Fiona Apple
Sleep To Dream lyrics

I tell you how I feel
But you don't care
I say tell me the truth
But you don't dare
You say love is a hell
You cannot bear
And I say gimme mine
Back and then go there
For all I care
I got my feet
On the ground
And I don't go to
Sleep to dream
You got your head
In the clouds
And you're not at
All what you seem
This mind, this body
And this voice cannot be
Stifled by your deviant ways
So don't forget what I told you
Don't come around
I got my own hell to raise

I have never been
So insulted in all my life
I could swallow the seas
To wash down all this pride
First you run like a fool
Just to be at my side
And now you run like a fool
But you just run to hide
And I can't abide

I got my feet
On the ground
And I don't go
To sleep to dream
You got your head
In the clouds and
You're not at all
What you seem
This mind, this body
And this voice cannot be
Stifled by your deviant ways
So don't forget what I told you
Don't come around
I got my own hell to raise

Don't make it a big deal
Don't be so sensitive
We're not playing
A game anymore
You don't have
To be so defensive
Don't you plead me your case
Don't bother to explain
Don't even show me your face
'Cause it's a crying shame
Just go back to the rock
From under which you came
Take the sorrow you gave
And all the stakes you claim
And don't forget the blame

I got my feet
On the ground
And I don't go
To sleep to dream
You got your head
In the clouds and
You're not at all
What you seem
This mind, this body
And this voice cannot be
Stifled by your deviant ways
So don't forget
What I told you
Don't come around
I got my own hell to raise

Silly Saturday: Rosanne Barr

I watched Rosanne's new special last night and laughed so hard my side hurt. Here are some clips from the show, but the best ones are missing (my opinion). If you get a chance, check it out.





Here she is on a more serious note, but a more truthful one. How her honesty rings true...

Formal Friday: The Mommy Makeover

I haven't posted in a while due to time constraints. That's what happens when you are a single mom living in a hustle and bustle world. The one thing I've learned from motherhood is that perfection isn't necessary. Yes, you heard that out of my mouth (or more like read if off my blog). I have noticed lately that I'm not too picky when the floor isn't clean, or I haven't vacuumed in a week (which I use to do every other day), but there are more important things to do, like watch my son grow. Which leads me to the mommy makeover.

This site (if you choose not to look at the link) supports women trying to get back the youthful pre-child days. I say youthful days because as all of us mothers know, we had more energy, more sleep, more time, more money, and less obligations before our little bundles of joy came into our lives. By trying to get back those days, we must bring ourselves under the knife and cut away our hard earned badges of glory. Another website put it bluntly, “The message is that, after having children, women’s bodies change for the worse. If marketing could turn the post pregnancy body into a socially unacceptable thing, think of how big your audience would be and how many surgeries you could sell them," and this is coming from the Fashion and Style segment in the New York Times.

I had a talk with my friend just yesterday along this same topic. She gave birth about two months ago, and she was already drilling me about how long it took for me to get back into my pre-pregnancy jeans. I looked at her will all honestly and told her, "Never. The only items I have in my closet that are from before are just jackets. I never plan on seeing the pre-alec body or life ever again."

To me that statement was bittersweet. Yes I had a great life before, but I have a great life now. I actually have some thing worthwhile in my life now. Something that I can show off and say, "look how good I am at being a mother, a teacher, and a friend." I have a shinning star. I have the love of my life, and I sing and kiss him just about every night before bed (although I wish it were every night)! Maybe my life is messier, maybe I have a stretch marked belly, gravity supporting body parts, and bigger jean sizes. Maybe my life doesn't fit into the "picture perfect" idea of woman, but I love me just the way I am. I also have a man that loves me just the way I am....how could life get any better?

Manic Monday: Nothing

Oh how sad that you have nothing to really spark your interest for the week. I actually did nothing that my last week post said anyways. Maybe I need a new title for Mondays. Maybe Miscellaneous Monday....I don't know. But for today it will be musical Monday.



You Make Loving Fun lyrics-Fleetwood Mac

Sweet wonderful you,
You make me happy with the things you do,
Oh, can it be so,
This feeling follows me wherever I go.

I never did believe in miracles,
But I've a feeling it's time to try.
I never did believe in the ways of magic,
But I'm beginning to wonder why.

Don't, don't break the spell,
It would be different and you know it will,
You, you make loving fun,
And I don't have to tell you you're the only one.

You make loving fun.
You make loving fun.

Silly Saturday: jokes!

Traveling down the interstate and needing to use the restroom,
I stop at a rest area and head to the restroom. I was barely sitting down when I heard a voice from the other stall saying:
"Hi, how are you?"

I'm not the type to start a conversation in the restroom and I don't know what got into me, but I answered, somewhat embarrassed, "Doin' just fine!"
And the other person says:
"So what are you up to?"

What kind of question is that? At that point, I'm thinking this is toobizarre so I say:
"Uhhh, I'm like you, just traveling!"

At this point I am just trying to get out as fast as I can when I hear another question.
"Can I come over?"

Ok, this question is just too weird for me but I figured I could just be polite and end the conversation. I tell them
"No..I'm a little busy right now!!!"

Then I hear the person say nervously...
"Listen, I'll have to call you back. There's an idiot in the other stall who keeps answering all my questions

Formal Friday: Federal Marriage Amendment

My post today was about free range meat vs grain meat, but this whole debacle pulled ahead.

Reading along one of my many mommy sites, I came across this statement that Mitt Romney issued.

"Last night's debate was just the latest example of how out of touch the Democratic presidential candidates are with the American people. Not one candidate was uncomfortable with young children learning about same-sex marriage in the second grade. This is a subject that should be left to parents, not public school teachers. We need to strengthen our families by passing a federal marriage amendment and also insisting on marriage before having children. Change in Washington requires Democrats with the courage to stand-up to their ultra liberal base and do what's right for our children."

First, as a parent, I plan on teaching my child about same sex marriage/relationships as early as I plan on teaching him about sex, sexuality, other genders, and other races. To me, I think it is my personal obligation to help my son understand all the differences that one person might come across. I hope to enlighten his little mind so that bigotry and prejudice do no lie there. Furthermore, I have an obligation to the human race to teach my son about things where such atrocities firmly plan their roots.

As a teacher, I hope that critical life situations are applicable in my classroom, not because I live for shock value, but because it is important to create a amicable, yet mind stimulating class room. Do I expect some of my children to come from mommy/mommy houses and daddy/daddy house, yes. Should these children feel like they belong in my class, ooh yes! Sweeping hot topics under the rug, hurts the social aspect of the classroom as any topic would.

Lastly, as a single mother....Federal marriage amendment my ass. I'm not married. I don't want to be married. I'm not sure I will ever get married. BUT I am sure I will have more children. I don't think that I will ever fit in Mitt's "cookie cutter world." I know I'm not the only one out there that feels this strongly against this idea. How can you say you are the voice of the people when, in fact, the voice of the people show they aren't marriage bound. You can't honestly say that every American wants to be married. I mean look at the divorce rate and you will see that most people who are want out as well.

Thirsty Thursday: Orgasms

Okay, I know this topic is sort of taboo, but you all know I'm not scared of that. In the society we live in, women who are in charge of their own sexuality are considered tramps and whores. This is one thing I don't understand. Why do men still feel the need to control women in aspects where it not only would help a marriage/relationship, but bring extreme satisfaction to both counterparts? Why are women so jealous of other women to the fact that they will break her down and make her feel less when they should be seeking advice? I guess I'll figure these answers out when I die, but until then I have this....

The Orgasmic Diet

This is a new book I just happened by on my book club list. I thought it might be something interesting to read. I was right. I had no idea that the foods you eat really affect the way your body feels. This actually goes beyond the Big O. This moves into a category that could affect your whole life. Reading this book has made me do some major research on the meat I eat. Ha Ha funny, but no really...I had no idea that the genetic make up of grain fed animals to free range animals was different (more on this tomorrow).

So I've decided to take this challenge, not because I'm worried about my sexuality. I actually think this diet is worth looking into. It seems like a healthy alternative to the current lifestyle I lead now. Here is an overall gist:
1. Eat less sugary foods laden with carbohydrates
2. Take fish oil (which is good for your heart)
3. work out your muscles (and I don't mean your arms)
4. and eat chocolate (I've already got this one down)

I guess I'll be reporting to you later on the effects of my new diet. How about some food for thought before I go:

Wordless Wednesday: Container Head

Manic Monday: What's coming up?

Oh yeah, It's monday! My favorite day of the week, well minus the stupid English class I had to attend today. I really don't like that class. SOOOOOO, what am I looking forward to this week?

1. STILL being having the lead points in my Fantasy Football league (who said girls couldn't play football?)
2. Going to my Wednesday class (yes I enjoy wednesday)
3. Playing with my just-got-done-being-sick baby
4. Hanging out with some really cool chicas
   
5. Starting my new diet (more on that Thursday)
6. Breaking out Shark Tooth Mary for one last go around at the banned book read aloud
   
7. Seeing my boyfriend =) (I saved the best for last)

It's going to be a jammed packed week, but you all know me. I never have a day of break. But isn't that what makes life grand? At least I'm not just existing.

Song Bird Sunday: Lady or Tramp

To chalk up some humor to the otherwise disturbing topic of the tramp stamp, I'm going to post a song about tramps. Just so happen I love this song...be it the catchy phrases or tune, I don't know. I know that I grin really big when I hear it.

On being a tramp...

I didn't know that I was one until the other day after reading the little blue link above. At first I was shocked, because I got my tattoo almost a decade ago. During this time tattoos were...well...taboo. Never did I realize that, I, Flower, would forever be associated with tramps.

So on this lovely occasion I would like to give my deepest thanks to my tattoo artist, my ever thrifty self, my friend who so lovingly held my hand when it hurt, my other friend who laughed, my mom who stayed up all night long to check on me to make sure I didn't get meningitis, my clothes that will forever cover it up, and well my boyfriend who actually loves the fact that I'm a closet tramp. I love you all, thank you.

*friends and family, you might be a little disturbed by the words in the song. Tread with caution if you dare...

Silly Saturday: helmet head

Sorry it's been so long since my last post. I've had a migraine for two days now, but I finally have overcome most of it.

In the spirit of being silly today, Alec and I were playing helmet head. He loves to play with my pots, pans, Tupperware, and mixing bowls. Well his new favorite toy is my orange mixing bowl, which he thinks is a hat. He would go back and forth putting this bowl on my head, his head, then my dad's head (pappy).

He became a little brave with his hat and decided to go for a test run with it on. The "hat" covers his eyes so he can't see where he goes. He ran right into the table....kurplunk. The helmet was so hard that he didn't even notice how hard he hit the table and kept running...minus the helmet.

Yeah, I guess you had to be there to get the full effect. I'll post pictures later.

Wordless Wednesday: O Capt'n, my Capt'n

Tirade Tuesday: Freakin English Teachers

As all of you know, I'm going to school to become a future educator. In my classes we are learning that the best teaching is one that is student led.


We have to come up with an integrated lesson plan involving English (for my English class). At the beginning of the semester, she talked about our integrated lesson plan and wanted to know what classes we were taking. We told her technology, art, music, math, and science. She nodded her head and repeated science.

Well on Monday she talked more about our integrated lesson plan. She talked about how we were going to link it to science, and blah blah blah blah blah....

I raised my hand and asked if I could do an integrated lesson plan with Math. I feel a little uncomfortable working with mathematics, so I would like the experience to work with it on some more assignments.

She said.....

NO
We are working with science....final.

Uhhh, okay....What happened to student led teachings? Am I asking too much to do something just a little different? Is she really only worried because she doesn't know mathematics herself?

Stupid teachers...if she only knew. If she would have given me a viable reason to NOT do a mathematics/English lesson I would have complied. Ha, now I'm going to get on her ever loving nerves because she flat out told me no.

Yes I'm a brat. Yes I like to get my way. If I felt for one minute I was asking too much, then I would stop. Well, Here's to hoping, for her sake, I find that stopping point soon.

Song Bird Sunday: Let you down

I let you down
Let me pick you up
I let you down
Let me climb up you to the top
So I can see the view from up there
Tangled in your hair
I let you down
I have no lid upon my head
But if I did
You could look inside and see
What's on my mind
I let you down, oh, forgive me
You give me love
Let me walk with you, maybe I could say
Maybe talk with you, open up
And let me through
Don't walk away
Don't walk away
I have no lid upon my head
But if I did
You could look inside and see what's on my mind
You could look inside and see what's on my mind
I let you down
How could I be such a fool like me
I let you down
Tail between my legs
I'm a puppy for you love
I'm a puppy for you love
I have no lid upon my head
but if I did
you could look inside and see
what's on my mind , oh its you
I let you down
I'm a puppy for your love
I'm a puppy for your love
Forgive me
Forgive me
Forgive me
I let you down

-Dave Matthews Band, Let You Down

Formal Friday: Jena 6

As of right now, I will not be able to post tomorrow. I will be headed out of town and where I am going, there is no Internet. I am sad, because I didn't want to miss a day so early in our time together. Since I will be away, today's issue will be very very serious.

Have you have heard about Jenna 6?

For those of you too lazy to click the link and read, I will give you a little overview. One tree stood on a school ground. White children sit under the tree. Black children want to join. They try. Nooses hang from the tree the next day. The school deems it's a prank. Fights break out among children. White kids beat up black kid. Black kids beat up a white kid. Black kids held in jail and are being charged attempted murder.



It is shameful to think that racism like this still exists. It worried me down to the core. What would I do, as a teacher, in this situation? What if this were a situation my son was involved in? How would I feel if this happened to a friend.

I would like to sit here and think that this only occurs in places that I don't tread, but that isn't true. Living in Indiana, I have heard my fair share of racist comments. Most of them come from my family or friends. I can't believe the hatred people show to one another. It sickens me to think about hate and racism. Pushing it aside and pretending this doesn't exist will only perpetrate it further in society. It's one of those ugly things you have to stare at in the face. It must be dealt with daily.

Bring some light into the darkness.

Color of Change Petition

Jena 6 Petition

Thirsty Thursday:give kindness and support

A few day ago, my best friend and I went to lunch at the local Olive Garden. There we sat, being our normal obnoxious, all but too loud, selves eating and enjoying each other's company. After a few min of giggles and mayhem, I noticed a quiet couple sitting next to us. They were just like every other couple sitting in the place, but he was wearing army Cammie's. I smiled a big smile at them and went on my way to gorging myself with bread sticks and salad. I noticed out of the corner of my eye an elderly woman had walked up to this couple. Using my mommy ears (yes I was eavesdropping, but I don't care), I heard the woman say to the man, "Here have this card to pay for your lunch. It's all I can do to show you how much I appreciate you." She handed him a gift card and walked away.

Even now when I think about this, my eyes water up. I was moved by her compassion and thoughtfulness. It also made me want to become a better person, one that would reach out a kind and gentle hand to a stranger.

For this Thirsty Thursday I am urging all of you to dig deep and find that kind hearted gesture that you have been putting off, or maybe one hasn't crossed your mind? Watch the people around you, I am sure one needs a pick me up.

The last thing I ask of all of you... support our troops. This was an ultimate act of support. One person giving something to show her appreciation. I don't have much to give, but I can think of one thing that all of us have that is free. TRUTH. If we demand the truth about the war, and settle for no less, we might be able to protect those men and woman along with their families from having to suffer. We might be able to help, if we all work together.

Welcome to my new blog spot!

I decided that I am going to keep a sort of online diary for all of those that care to read my ramblings. I thought that each day of the week could have some sort of “theme.” Some issues may be serious, some light hearted, because we all know that’s how I like to do things.

Manic Monday: Things that have me over excited for this week

Tirade Tuesday: The day to vent

Wordless Wednesday: stolen from my aunt’s blog because I like it, picture day

Thirsty Thursday: dedicated to things I think the world needs.

Formal Friday: Serious issues that need to be noticed

Silly Saturday: a day to tell jokes and have fun

Song Bird Sunday: words, phrases, and snippets from songs I love (maybe even videos)

I hope you all enjoy this as much as I will.