And now a confession

Thanks to Lloyd at DemCentral I can admit my love of some songs sung by Toby Keith.

Toby Keith correctly points out the problem of labels- to be 100% supportive of the troops is not to support George W. Bush's policy of preemption (whatever the heck that is), we are complex, the wars are complex, here is some of what he says:

"I get roped into these political arguments, but the truth is I don't see things right or left, I see them right or wrong. If you put check boxes on the left and right for all the big issues, my list will go back and forth all the way down. But all I have to do is disagree with a hardcore, far left liberal on one thing and they just mark me down with all the boxes on the right. And it's pretty much the same thing on the other side...I didn't support the war in Iraq and still don't, but I'm sure I know more about it than he [Sean Penn] does...When he and Clooney get together and say we should go to Africa and stop the genocide, I'll be the one over there performing for the troops when it happens." (my edits, Lloyd has the full quote on DemCentral).

I do enjoy myself some Toby Keith, I admit it, I almost considered buying his most recent favorites album, but thought that I would be supporting him and he represented things that I disagreed with. Happily, I did buy some of the songs on the album (American Soldier- that is one great song "...I don't do it for money, there's still bills that I can't pay, I don't do it for the glory, I just do it anyway..") and now much to Chris' consternation I will likely download the rest of the album.

One thing I will complain about, I like the song "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" sure it is a wee jingoistic, but I was pretty angry after 9/11 and its good to remember.

But when I was at a rodeo lately (yes, I am from Virginia and my friend Johnny is a bull rider) the song was accompanied by horrifying phone calls made by people calling 911 on 9/11/01. I find that over the top for the occasion of a rodeo, especially when the song itself is so resonating. So I know his songs are used not only to remember but to perpetuate the fear, which is not necessarily healthy, in my opinion.

I can do it mommy

Andrew is three, lately I have been calling him almost 4- but he is turning four in July, so he is still very much three. Today he rode his bike without training wheels. At one point I helped him get started up a hill and as soon as he got it he told me “I can do it mommy” not in the proud way, but in the way that says, “stop helping me mom.” When did they become teenagers?

Then David read a whole Clifford book to Daddy and Andrew before going to bed. He likes to remind me daily how he is getting bigger and bigger every day. Yippee.


One of my favorite songs lately- (I havent downloaded because it is new to me, and it could get annoying)- "Dont Blink" by Kenny Chesney- again for the nostalgia aspect, not for any true musical value.

I turned on the evening news
Saw a old man being interviewed
Turning a hundred and two today
Asked him what's the secret to life
He looked up from his old pipe
Laughed and said "All I can say is."

Don't blink
Just like that you're six years old and you're taking naps and you
Wake up and you're twenty-five and your high school sweetheart becomes your wife
Don't blink
You just might miss your babies growing like mine did
Turning into moms and dads next thing you know your better half
Of fifty years is there in bed
And you're praying God takes you instead
Trust me friend a hundred years goes faster than you think
So don't blink
...it goes on.

MP3 Uploads

I love the one-click at Amazon for mp3 downloads- anytime I am reminded of a song-I can buy it. I am kind of embarrassed by my purchases so I will not reveal them at this time. Let’s just say I am not a snob about music.

MP3 downloads- who knew it was so easy and fun??

I heard a Prince song on the radio this afternoon from the Purple Rain album. My family used to have this album back in the 80’s and I have no idea what happened to it. I have lots of nostalgia about it that I won’t bore you with at this moment. But I really want the album, it is a classic and I thought I should order it/buy it/yadda yadda.

So Chris and the boys are driving home from their weekend away, and I am surfing Amazon- I can download the mp3 right now and be listening to it in a second!! I have CDs burned to my Media Center but I have never downloaded music from the internet. BUT NOW I HAVE!!! The practice of law will be much improved with my ability to choose songs to listen with one click!

Purple Rain is an amazing album and I am glad to have it on my computer. In a musical twist, I also bought the Rodney Atkins song “These are my People.”

I soon may not be able to resist the power that I have to buy all these songs I like (for $.99).

Thanksgiving- part II the Thanks

The boys were so good tonight- McDonalds and a Curious George movie- I got to make a pie, various dips and cranberry relish. Let me tell you the relish rocks. I put walnuts and oranges in it.
I told the boys at prayer time that in the morning they will have to write or draw three things they are grateful for (and that I would help them and do it myself). David said "but I dont know how to draw food, mommy and daddy"- isnt that sweet?
Grandma Sherry will be home on Friday from her deployment to Germany- I am so thankful it is soon.
The machine that picks up the leaves picked up our leaves- which is good for the parking situation on the street.
A fellow firefighter is going to help Chris butcher the rest of the venison so it is currently not in my fridge and when it comes back, we can eat it and put in the fridge (did I mention he is hunting bright and early on Friday? Buck only day-how do I know this?).
KT is coming for Thanksgiving! OK not really- she is coming bright and early on Friday, but it is always good to see her and she can help with leftovers!
Pauline plays with my boys like a kid- it is so great for them. I know how often I am not playing with them (cooking, working, email etc) so I find her patience and spirit gratifying, the boys are so blessed (and so am I).
BRUUUUUUUCE is coming to town- MY TOWN. That is friggin awesome.
How is it one can feel so grateful and so lonely at the same time? Holidays are all about ambivalence.

Christmas Music 2007

I heard Christmas music on the radio on my way down to Botetourt County on November 16. It wasnt as though I heard one song either, the whole station had gone holiday tunes. While I thought pre-Halloween Christmas decorating in the stores was unbelievable, this music thing may even top that. When is a normal time to start decorating for Christmas (as a family) and when is it ok for radio stations to go all holiday tunes? I mean how much Christmas music do we need?