28.9.13

List #225: Songs To Remember 31

Often when I'm listening to music I find myself thinking "I will always remember this song." So many of my memories and feelings are rooted in verses.

And ten years down the road, I'm quite certain that this little group of songs will always remind me of what it felt like to be 31.

Blurred Lines 
Robin Thicke featuring TI and Pharrell Williams
To be played when you want to dance, of course. And reminiscent of summer afternoons stuck inside and planning summer reading at a desk. Laughing with a best friend, in a never-ending conversation, even when she's miles away. Spur-of-the-moment vacations to North Carolina. It's the song I imagine will make my future children embarrassed when I sing it loudly and proudly. And who really, who is the hottest bitch in this place. 

Hopeless Wanderer
Mumford & Sons
Because it's hilarious and Jason Sudekis and Mumford & Sons. All together. When this video was released I was away from home at a work conference. And I couldn't stop replaying it from my hotel room. But mostly it will remind me of spontaneity on one of the last remaining nights of summer. How much someone wanted to make me happy. My brother. And never-ending trips home in the dark of a hot and sticky August night.


Classy Girls
The Lumineers
For crip (and cold nights) soaking in the bathtub with a good book. And daydreaming about not kissing in bars. It's just a sweet and hopeful song for a sweet and hopeful year. We'll drink beers with you, but you have to take us out of the bar to kiss us.

When I Was Your Man
Bruno Mars
For sad nights alone, for drinking wine with girlfriends, for remember just how lucky you are without him. Because when you've been the ins and outs of love, when you've been the girl who has had her heart broken, when you've repeatedly seen your friends get passed over, a good song of regret is a wondrous thing. He's right, you shoulda bought us flowers when you had the chance.

Bring on the songs in 32. 



27.9.13

List #224: I Don't Know About You, But I'm Feeling 32


Being 32 means loving that you're a lot more like this than like this

This Saturday, on September 28, I'll wake up and I will turn 32. I'm not doing a whole lot to celebrate my birthday, but a big rubber duck is floating its way on into Pittsburgh, so in some ways I kind of feel like the whole city is throwing me a birthday party. 

When I was younger, 32 was always my age of destination. I have said, numerous times, to friends that by 32 I wanted to be in a career that I loved, in a relationship that was going somewhere, and well, be happy. 

Year 31 was a blast. It might be on record as my best year yet, even though I will fully admit that there were moments of darkness. Not everything in my life is exactly how I would want it in my perfect dreamland. And things are certainly not arranged in a way that I envisioned when I was 22. But I think acceptance, grace, and humility come with the 30s package. So it's a little easier to stomach all that we don't have. 

Last year, you may remember I recapped what I thought during year 30. And without further ado, here's what I thought about in year 31. 
  • I really wish Justin Timberlake would release a new album
  • Holy Crap! Justin Timberlake is releasing a new album!
  • Why is my cat obsessed with door frames
  • How can I save money
  • I wish I had a new computer
  • Not a whole lot about men that don't matter
  • Should I make out with him
  • Why shouldn't I make out with him
  • What is my next move going to be
  • How do I get my hands on a 3D printer
  • Holy Crap! The Pirates just might be good this year
  • I miss friends that aren't in Pittsburgh
  • Oh, people are now having their second baby
  • Where can I get a fancy cocktail
  • You can buy Costco brand alcohol and beer?!
  • When am I going to meet a man who wants to commit
  • You are not an expert
  • Holy Crap! The Pirates are good this year
  • How can I win at Fantasy Football
  • What is, exactly, the best Fantasy Football team name
  • Don't run
  • This is it
  • Assorted things about Justin Timberlake
  • Assorted things about Jason Sudekis
  • Assorted things about Adam Scott
  • Assorted things about Jimmy Fallon
  • How in the world am I going to read 52 books this year
  • I am falling in love
  • Oh baby
  • Sharing a bed is preferred to sleeping alone
  • I spend not enough time in my apartment
  • Success! Baristas now my basic order
  • I still hate my stomach
  • I can't believe I'm going to my college reunion
  • Am I doing downward facing dog properly?
  • How does she bend that way
  • I am in love
  • Seattle/Vancouver/New York/North Carolina/Nashville/DC/NewYork
  • I love Pittsburgh
  • Dreaming of her was a most wonderful thing
  • How we teach history in school
  • Why do Canadians love Police Academy
  • Should I order Chinese food
  • When can I see him again
  • I love you, I love you, I love you
I don't know what year 32 has in store for me. I'm sure some of it will be good, some of it will be not-so-good, and some of it will just be. 

Am I ready for everything that might come way in the next 365 days? No, probably not. But I'm going to give it my best shot. 

13.9.13

List #223: Things You Think About in September

In September, I think about:

  • When it will be cold enough to wear a dress...and boots.
  • Just what I should do to celebrate my birthday.
  • How much I miss buying school supplies. 
  • What it felt like to start a new school year. 
  • And how much I don't miss going to school as a young child.
  • Just where, oh where, can I go on vacation.
  • Affirmation that fall is the best time to travel.
  • New TV, I anticipate your return. 
  • Honestly, it's time to start thinking about Christmas gift.
  • How can I buy all of the cardigans?
  • Pumpkins. In flavor, in scent, in beer, in patches. 
  • Just how lucky I am.
So what does September make you think about, dear readers? 

4.9.13

List #222: Why I Love the Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates are about to have their first winning season since 1992. I was 11 in 1992. I only vaguely remember that season. But I do remember Barry Bonds, and Three Rivers Stadium. I remember making a fake bet with a family friend who lived in Atlanta. I work black & gold to school, I'm sure of it. And though for certain that they would do it again. And soon. Because I was young and naïve.

But they are about to do it again. And the city is on fire with pride. And quite frankly, it's refreshing to have it be September, on the cusp of the true Steeler season, and hear very little people talk about football.

I've written about my relationship with baseball before. But since I was born and raised in this city that supports its sport teams through thick and thin, I thought another type of list was due.

Here why I love the Pittsburgh Pirates:

Because we have fireworks.
Not after every game. But since Pittsburgh LOVES Fireworks. After many games.
 
 
Because I'm in the Lady Bucs Club (Thanks to a Best Friend)
And this is how close we sit!



Because take a look at our mascot!
He's a parrot! He's sometimes raunchy! And I've met him!
 
 
Because I actually attend games.  

And then get to waive this awesome Jolly Roger flag made by my best friend.
 
 
Because you can spin a wheel and win prizes!
Even though I never won the Pirate Parrot soap dispenser.
 
 
Because you can make signs and get on TV.
Granted, we never made it to ESPN. But we did make it to ROOT.
 
 
Because this is the view from PNC.
Seriously. How can you not love everything about Pittsburgh?!
 
 
So, say it with me now...Let's Go Bucs!  And tell me, dear readers, what do you love most about those Buccos?