The Soundtrack of My Life

The other day, my husband starting blasting a Hall & Oates song while I was making dinner. I'm not a huge fan of the group, but he has a certain affinity for them, which is really quite adorable. When the song ended, I asked him if "Maneater" would make it onto his life soundtrack. This got me thinking about my own life soundtrack. At 34, I figure it's a good time to compile such a collection, as it's not yet too overwhelming. So, here it is. All of these songs bring me back to a certain time in my life and either have some significance or jog a memory. I won't elaborate on them, and they're in no particular order. I tried to limit my choices to one song per artist, otherwise I would have been loaded down with Billy Joel, U2 and George Strait songs. Looking at these songs compiled in one place makes me wonder when I came down with musical ADD. I'm all over the place as far as genres, but I suppose I have an eclectic palate. What songs would make your soundtrack?

1. Kool & the Gang – Fresh


2. The A’s – Woman’s Got the Power


3. Simon & Garfunkel – Cecilia


4. U2 – I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For


5. Elton John - Tiny Dancer


6. Duran Duran – Wild Boys


7. Bruce Springsteen – Born to Run


8. Paul Young – Every Time You Go Away


9. Michael Jackson – Human Nature


10. Bon Jovi – I’ll Be There For You


11. Skid Row – I Remember You


12. Dr. Dre – Nothin’ But a G Thang


13. Snoop Dogg – Gin and Juice


14. Refreshments – Banditos


15. Dave Matthews Band – Satellite


16. Steve Miller Band – Jet Airliner


17. Tina Turner – What’s Love Got to do with It?


18. Kenny Loggins – Footloose


19. Stevie Wonder – Part Time Lover


20. Alabama – Dixieland Delight


21. Billy Joel – She’s Always a Woman / Uptown Girl


22. Journey – Faithfully


23. Police – Every Breath You Take


24. Dolly Parton – Jolene


25. Big Head Todd – Bittersweet


26. Dixie Chicks – Sin Wagon


27. Brand New Heavies – Brother Sister


28. George Strait – Ocean Front Property


29. Poison – Every Rose Has Its Thorn


30. Little Texas – What Might Have Been


31. O.M.D. – If You Leave


32. Morrissey – Hairdresser on Fire


33. Third Day – Rock Star


34. The Charlie Daniels Band - Devil Went Down to Georgia

Honorable Mention (only because I didn't want to go over the magic number 34..and because my dad is questioning my choices):

John Denver - Thank God I'm a Country Boy

Jack Johnson - On and On

Kool and the Gang - Joanna

George Strait - Fireman

Why I Love Thanksgiving

My friend Crystal asked me to be a guest blogger on her site this week. I decided to share my thoughts on my favorite holiday, THANKSGIVING! Read it here. I can't wait to start baking pies and basting the turkey. I want to share a quick list of the things for which I am most thankful this year (I'm refraining from expanding upon each point because I will just go off on a tangent. In this case, brevity is in order):

1. My Savior.
2. My freedom.
3. My family.
4. My health.

It really is that simple, isn't it? This year, our family is staying home, but so are our neighbors so we've decided to join forces. They are from Germany so I'm curious to see what ethic twists they put on the holiday. Wherever you are, enjoy the day and be thankful!

My Expensive Passion

Anyone who knows me well, knows of my expensive passion: horses. I've been riding since the age of 5. What started as a hobby has become as important to me as...well, air. Ok, maybe not air, but shelter for sure. You may think I'm being dramatic, but when I'm not riding consistently, I feel physically ill. I've tried to stop on several occasions (mainly for financial reasons), but I keep coming back. Nothing else can replace my time in the saddle. Not shopping. Not yoga. Not running. Not travel. Nothing. I think you get the point.

Unfortunately for my bank account, riding is probably one of THE most expensive sports in the history of expensive sports. With the expense comes a bit of guilt, especially since Cody and our 3 children have unknowingly joined the equestrian fraternity. And now, my oldest daughter, Eden, seems to be bitten by the bug as well. With this in mind, I contributed this article to RealMomsGuide.com. Enjoy!

Do They Deserve to be Called "Criminals"?

Today, I am questioning the decision to try 5 Guantanamo Bay detainees in criminal court for the September 11th attacks on our country...IN NEW YORK CITY. Seriously? Do these people deserve to be called criminals, rather than terrorists? Suddenly, the word takes on new meaning being elevated to an honor rather than a shameful designation. This decision bothers me for several reasons:

• Why should they receive the benefit of a trial, during which they are to be considered innocent until proven guilty, as our criminal justice system dictates? This decision leads me to believe that the administration views these detainees as common murderers, not as perpetrators of intentional acts of war. American citizens are afforded the privilege of an unbiased trial. These men deserve no privileges under our Constitution. As war criminals, give them what they deserve, a military tribunal.

• This is not a law enforcement issue. If this trial makes it into our courts, it will surely be a circus, straining our resources and clogging the justice system. Must we all relive the horror of September 11th in order to say, "We find you guilty..."? We are battling violent extremist who are happier dying than they are living, not simple criminals. These men will relish the fiasco the trial creates, ripping open the wounds of a rebounding city and of thousands of families who lost loved ones that day.

• Why not a military tribunal?? Are these men not enemy combatants during a time of war? We are about to bring them into our country and offer them the comforts of our American prisons, comforts that they do not deserve. Terrorists who attacked the USS Cole are going to military tribunals...what makes them different? In addition, let's not put our country and our soldiers at risk even more by disclosing the evidence and classified information necessary to prosecute this case. A military tribunal will keep the evidence under wraps, ensuring other terrorists cannot benefit from it.

• Some lawmakers in D.C. hope this decision will "demonstrate America's values." You've got to be kidding me. How about valuing a strong military defense that reacts when attacked to defend its people rather than ignore reality for the sake of political correctness? All we will do is give these terrorists a podium on which to pontificate their hatred for our country and our people. Parading them around our streets just validates their existence on the international political stage. Let them melt into obscurity within the walls of Guantanamo. Surely, they would prefer the former.

• Are the unintended consequences worth it? How would you like to be the wife or the son of the judge assigned to this case? What would happen if you were one of the jurors (assuming they can actually find unbiased candidates...that's another story)? The lives of everyone involved in this case will be put at risk. Why? So that we can showcase our criminal justice system to the world? Is it worth it when a military tribunal process is available and, in my opinion, better suited for these cases?

I can imagine their smug grins as they are ushered through the streets of New York day in and day out, staring back at the faces of those they've hurt with no regrets. There is actually a chance that their cases could be thrown out, depending on the judge. That is not acceptable on any level. What will this do for the morale of our troops, or for the entire country for that matter? They want to be executed in name of their god. They want to be portrayed as villains. They want to be the center of attention on OUR soil. Why would we grant them any of their wishes? Bottom line, the prospect just makes me sad, and disappointed.

My Life With the Squirrels

Everyone knows that where there's a park, there are squirrels. Lots of them. Washington Park, where we live in Denver, is no exception. These fuzzy, brave and extremely devilish little critters are everywhere. Truly, it's entertaining to observe the daily zig-zag adventure which defines a life of a squirrel. The first words that come to mind when I hear the word "squirrel" are frolic, scamper and bounce. How bad a life can that be? Unfortunately for the placental mammal world, the next three words are dirty, gnawing and cunning. Zoologically speaking, a squirrel is a rodent and they certainly live up to that moniker. Their only saving grace is that cute, quizzical expression that makes you wonder what they're thinking.

On the squirrel-fan spectrum, I probably land right in the middle. They don't bother me to the point of wanting to exterminate them, but I certainly don't seek them out or spend my days hoping the squirrels will be my friends. They come with the territory. I get it. My dog, on the other hand, is card-carrying member of the "I loathe squirrels" club. Mabry is a 7 year-old, 7 lb. Yorkie and he is completely perplexed by our move to squirrel country. He spends his days gazing out the window, targeting the furry creatures for a future showdown. Cody loves to take Mabry to the park to let him terrorize the inhabitants. As of a week ago, the squirrels officially have the upper hand in this battle. Somehow Mabry managed to break two bones in his foot chasing them. Now, he hobbles along on a heavy cast remembering his glory days when the squirrels would run from him. We perch him on our porch to give him a view of the enemy. Normally he'd bound off the wall and burst into a dead gallop. Today, he sits and shakes, frustrated by his lack of mobility and disgusted by their taunting tail flicks.

Yesterday, I took him to the park and was sure he wouldn't try to chase anything. I was wrong. Cast and all, he went after an unsuspecting terrorist, but his significant handicap was an insurmountable factor. I wonder if I've ever felt so passionately about something that I'd be willing to break a leg (or sprint on a broken leg) to reach my goal? Nothing comes to mind, except maybe the chance to own a successful, well-bred Grand Prix jumper (like Sapphire, pictured here - from hunterjumpernews.com). I'd break a leg for that (both of them really...and an arm).

This afternoon, Cody and I noticed some squirrel road-kill in front of our house. It's bound to happen I suppose. Never one to pass up a teaching moment, Cody grabbed the kids and gathered them around the fallen rodent. "This is what can happen when squirrels run into the street," he told them. Their shocked faces were fixated on the mess in front of them. Truly, it was not pretty, but the image hopefully reinforced the danger of running into the street. As we headed back to the house, I think I saw a vengeful smirk on Mabry's lips. Perhaps he chased that squirrel into the street when we weren't looking. Who has the upper hand now, rodents?

Taking Time for "Old" Friends

This past weekend, a group of girlfriends and I reunited in the Valley of the Sun for a long overdue catching-up session. As circumstances would have it, I wasn't feeling well the entire weekend, but I rallied for a night to attend the Arizona State/USC football game. At first, I didn't think I'd make it. Our rendezvous spot required me to go through security, pay a cover and muffle my ears as I ran past an extremely loud band playing some kind of music I know I don't like. Failing to muster enough strength to get it done, I chose instead to join my sister and her husband at a quiet sushi restaurant on the other side of the mall. Perhaps it was my looming birthday that suddenly made me feel...(dare I say it?)...old. Tempe, where we went to college, seemed like a distant planet inhabited by strangely robust and bubbly aliens all dressed (I use that term loosely) in maroon and gold, bustling with excitement and eagerly anticipating the setting of the blazing sun.

I pressed on, in spite of my headache and sudden queasiness, and checked into our hotel. As I grabbed a pen to sign for the room, the receptionist handed me a package wrapped in shiny paper and tied with a big bow. My adorable sister had graciously left me a bottle of champagne for my birthday, which oddly brightened my spirits (thanks, Bub). When my friends arrived, it was as if only months, not years had passed. I do see them here and there, but it's been a while since we all put our "real lives" on hold, asked the husbands to watch the children, bought plane tickets, made hotel reservations and actually spent time together.

Spending the afternoon catching up and getting ready for the football game was such a break for all of us! The diversity of our experiences and situations amazes me. We came from Colorado, Maryland, Florida and Arizona, representing six children and four very different career paths. Regardless of our many differences, it was easy to fall back into the friendship we established so many years ago.

Our catching-up continued as we walked to the stadium, joined a tailgate party and headed into the game. Wherever the night took us, it was just good to be amongst old friends. It was comforting to see their success and learn more about the people they've become. Time really doesn't stand still. So much has happened in each of our lives...too much to share every detail. But every detail isn't needed.

It is such a random occurrence, especially as mothers, to take a break and reconnect. There's no getting around the fact that it is difficult to escape. The necessary arrangements seem to never end and schedules seem to rarely coincide. But it's worth it, isn't it? It seems the people who knew me "way back when" understand the significance of where I am today, identify with my daily struggles (even if they don't share them) and even appreciate my sarcasm!

Our weekend reinforced my desire to reconnect more often. Our little group has a tentative plan to do it again in May, when we'll meet in California for a half-marathon (or, in crazy Lauren's case, a full-marathon). Until then, I fondly remember my friends and thank them for putting their real lives on hold for just a moment. Are you waiting to reconnect? It's never going to be easy, but it will most likely be worth it.

Boosting Your Daughter's Self Esteem

Many of you saw the viral Dove "Evolution" video exposing the behind-the-scenes trickery that takes place before a photo shoot. It inspired me to contribute this article on boosting your daughter's self-esteem to SheKnows.com. Enjoy!

Oh Come, All Ye Fashionable

It's never too early to think about your holiday party attire, right? With that in mind, I contributed this article to SheKnows.com. Which is your favorite? I adore the sweater dress set you see here. I am determined NOT to buy any additional clothing pieces this holiday season and look forward to creating new outfits with what I currently own. Enjoy!

How Far Would You Go for a Friend?

Prior to our recent move, my family and I experienced one of the most amazing and selfless acts of generosity I've ever encountered. Our friends and neighbors, Dean and Kim Laterza, opened up their home to us so that we would not be homeless during the time between selling a home and finding another home. Mind you, it wasn't just Cody and I with our two suitcases. This was the two of us, our THREE kids and our dog (not to mention all of our accompanying "stuff"). They didn't know how long we'd be there...and they never asked.

Inspired by this act of kindness, I contributed this article to RealMomsGuide.com. Enjoy!

What I've Learned in Seven Years

Today, my husband, Cody, and I honor our 7 year anniversary. This morning, I looked at our engagement pictures and wondered if we still look the same. Rather than actually search for the answer, I changed my train of thought, perhaps in an effort to run from the truth. Of course we don't look the same! Seven years, nine moves, six states and three kids later, we can only hope to resemble our pre-married selves! Over the past seven years I've managed to glean a bit of wisdom...call it the fruit of our crazy, chaotic, joyful life.

1. Change happens.

It doesn't matter where you are right this second...whether you are eager for a transition or happy and content, the page is on the verge of turning, poised to reveal life's next chapter. Resistance is futile. Ultimately, change is an opportunity to explore both my external world and my internal emotions. As I let go of whatever makes me anxious, unsure or hesitant about the situation, I learn to breathe deeply and take it whatever life has to offer...at a given moment in time.

2. A storage unit is only delaying the inevitable.

Why do we always seem to have too much stuff, yet I am on a daily mission to purge? Neither of us are collectors. We rarely save pictures of our own kids (Bad parents, or good teachers of the "living simply" concept? You decide.)! Yet, the stuff continues to accumulate. Early in our marriage, we discovered the convenience of storage units and jumped on the bandwagon. Now, the stuff just follows us around. If I were to do it again, I would NEVER rent a storage unit. It's just a downward spiral waiting to happen. Much like a mortgage, it never goes away.

3. Roots can run wide, as well as deep.

I never imagined that I would live more than ten minutes away from my entire family (siblings included). My parents are in Scottsdale. I have a sister in Los Angeles, another sister in Yuma and brother exploring paradise in Hawaii. Cody's parents are in Scottsdale as well. I used to think that physical presence was the ONLY answer to my need for family ties. While we would love to have everyone move to Denver, I have learned that roots grow just as ferociously wide as they do deep. Of course, without a strong marriage, I would probably think otherwise.

4. Simple celebrations are still celebrations.

We aren't big "celebrators." I often think of how fortunate we are to have each other in this regard. Had I married someone who felt the need to commemorate every occasion with a gift, a party, or even a song, I would be in serious trouble. The same goes for Cody. A toast at dinner, a simple walk in the park or an extended chat on the front porch can be just as much a celebration as a big shin-dig. Having said that, we aren't opposed to a big shin-dig every once in a while.

5. What you do is more important than what you think or how you feel.

This lesson is a good one and we try to teach it to our children every day. Given the condition of our world, the faltering economy and the tendency of man to let people down (just to name a few examples), it's easy to feel pretty negatively about a myriad of situations. That's fine, until your behavior starts reflecting that emotion. Just because my children feel angry or frustrated doesn't give them the right to smack me! Actions can even change your attitude. Rather than allowing the way we feel to impact the way we act, we try to allow the way we act to impact the way we feel. Doing so diffuses many potential blowups and allows for a happy marriage.

6. Marriage doesn't change people, it just gives them the freedom to be honest.

Do I hear a resounding, "Amen, Sista!"? It amazes me that Cody was the same person before I married him that he is today. I don't doubt the fact, I'm just shocked that I didn't know. I thought I knew him pretty well, but marriage gives people an unrestricted license to be honest. This is by no means a negative. I've seen a vulnerability and gentleness that I didn't see before. Each passing year is like the peeling of an onion. I can't see who I wake up next to tomorrow.