Aaahh...that takes me back

So the way I see it, there are two types of people in this world. There are people whose lives are infused with music....they are moved by it and many of their memories can be triggered by some song or another. Certain feelings or moods are easily aroused by certain types of music. Certain activites call for certain songs or genres. These people live music and there is no separating it from them.


Then there are those who may appreciate music, may even have a favorite song or two, but for the most part, they just think music is "ok". They don't get to crazy about it and they may not even ever have the radio on in their car, unless it's some talk show. These people are moved in ways other than music and are not so affected by the sound of it. For the most part, it's just not that important a part of their lives and they could take it or leave it.

Me?.........I am definately in the fist group. In fact, I'm the president. I have the perfect song for every possible moment in life. I could write soundtracks and make millions.


So I'm driving home from work....got the iPod plugged in to the stereo, which is always just a hair below ear-bleed level (yes, I am losing hearing....that's why I have to keep turning it up!), and a song comes on that instantly transports me to another time and place. I am sixteen years old, braces, pimples, flaming red hair, shy as heck.....all the qualities that every beautiful young girl is searching for (it's called sarcasm).....full of raging hormone, teenage angst, melancholy moodiness.

The song? "Head Over Heals" by Tears For Fears. Gets me EVERY time.

No one single song wraps up my early puberty years like that one. You may think, "I don't get it. Why that one?" The answer is, "I don't really know." It was just a song that I really liked that came along right at that time in my life. Very formative years. I can listen to it now and groove along to it because I just like the song, but I can also listen to it and I'm amused at the way it brings back those teenage memories and feelings....lonely, insecure....the way I'm sure lots of kids feel at that time of their lives....even the "popular" kids with lots of friends....if they're really honest.

Anyway, It's amusing because I've come a long way in the last 2+ decades and I'm a lifetime away from that person I was.

It's good to grow up. But sometimes it's fun to look back, especially when you're more happy with who you have become!

I am SOOOOO putting this kid to work...

It turns out that Benjamin would rather play with drills, saws, hammers, and tape measures then just about anything else...REAL ones,,,the toy ones are quickly rejected. "I love to work", he says, and jumps out of his skin every time I head to the shop to get ready for another project. As soon as this kid is tall enough to push the mower (which won't be long), I'm cuttin' him loose! More power to him. The trouble is that I can't keep him out of my tool box and so I'm chasing my stuff all over the back yard. He runs behind me into the shop as soon as the door's open and looks all around...

"I neeeeeed.....THIS...for my project!"

"What project do need a crowbar and a hacksaw for, Ben???"

"My project!!"

"Oh, let me know how it turns out. Just don't cut your arm off, ok?"



Getting Ready for Little Brother


Maddy and Ben are practicing in preparation and anticipation of their new little brother due to arrive in late October/early November. Maddy has it down, but you can see Ben needs a little more coaching. Oh boy....
They're very excited to have a new brother. Trouble is, we have not a clue what his name will be. Maddy definately has one picked out, but I just can't seem to buy it 100%. It's going to interesting what happens. Madelyn and Benjamin were named after 3 months in the womb. For some reason, we are completely stumped with this one. He will probably get his name after he's been breathing oxygen for 2 weeks.



Going to "Big Kids School"

Maddy started kindergarten at Hamilton yesterday. What a change for her from her pre-school scene. Not so surprisingly, however, she is totally stoked and ready for it. I think she has been so bored lately that this full schedule will do good for her...and us. I'm predicting that a slight improvement in over-all behaviour patterns may follow. I'm hoping, anyway.

The Legacy Continues (maybe)

We sent Maddy to piano lessons this year and she did alright. She definately has a talent and a very musical ear. But I got out the bass the other day to dust off the cobwebs (haven't been playing for a while) and she took to it like it was the greatest thin ever. I have been secretly hoping (not so secretly now, I guess) that one of my kids would be into the bass. Well, we'll see where it goes from here. She's five, after all. Kids go through changing likes and interests more frequently than they change there underoos.