Thank you....Facebook?????

There are those people who say "Facebook is stupid". Those are the people who do not have a Facebook page. There are those people who have a Facebook page and almost never check it or use it. There are those people who have a facebook page and check it only to comment on other people's status'. There are people who have Facebook and check it on a regular basis, but never comment on any one's status and never put a status up themselves. I have been all of these people at one point or another. Now? Now I am the person who appreciates Facebook and what it has given me.

I joined Facebook about 3 years ago. I only joined because my friend Downey told me I should. Before I knew it I had almost 300 friends. I really couldn't believe that all these people who I had lost track of where now within reach and I could catch up with them. So through Facebook I have been able to "rekindle" friendships. Friendships I either forgot about, or thought I had lost forever. Sometimes its the ones I forgot about that have come to mean the most. Yes, through Facebook, I have discovered great, meaningful friendships.

Then this week one of those friends passed away. A woman whom I have known since middle school, but lost touch with over the years. Then we became facebook friends about 2 years ago just to catch up. Eventually we became "insomniac buddies". I refer to those few people who always seem to be awake when I am, and who talk to me on Facebook at these hours, as my "Insomniac Buddies". So when my friend passed away this week, I was in shock. How can someone so young, and talented and beautiful be gone?

Now all I think about is how grateful I am that I was able to have her in my life, even for a short period, again. I owe some of my most important friendships to Facebook. This may sound weird and sick, but it's oh so true. It's so much easier to keep up with what is going on in every one's life when you have access to a social media network. Without Facebook I wouldn't be able to keep up with all of my friends, and that is part of the reason why we all lost touch over the years.

I guess I am just writing this blog because I can't believe how the Internet and computers and modern technology link us all in a crazy way. I can't believe that without Facebook I would not have been able to see what a great person my friend turned out to be.

I hope that all of my friends read this and know that I cherish each friendship now, as much as, if not more than, before. You know the old saying "if you love something let it go......."? Well I have let so many people go, it's the special few that have come back, that matter the most.

Just a thought...............

75 and counting......

Not really sure where to begin with this blog. I am one of those people who literally loves every type of music. From Bluegrass, to Hip Hop, I love it all. I have a favorite song from every genre and every era. It's not a lie. I know so many songs by heart it is almost scary. I find myself constantly wanting to correct people when I hear people singing songs wrong. I thought trying to find just 20 movies was hard, but finding 20 songs is WAAAAAAAAY harder! SO I have decided to just go with the flow and stop when I feel like I shouldn't talk about any more songs. Also you should take note that I probably wont have any songs on here that are newer than say 2001, since I find today's music to be ridiculous most of the time. This will probably prove to be a lengthy blog, so get yourself some popcorn and sit back and enjoy the ride. In no particular order, here are my songs.......

1. Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay - Otis Redding (1967)

Otis had such a distinct voice. He was one of the many famous singers who died too young. This song was actually recorded months before his death and was not released until after he died. When it become no.1 on the charts it was the first song to ever be recorded and become no.1 after the artist passed away. Otis wrote many songs including Respect, which would be made famous by Aretha Franklin. When I hear any Otis Redding song, I get all tingly. This was even mine and Dave's wedding song. He plays it for me whenever he gets a chance. Other Otis songs to listen to are "These Arms of Mine", "I've been loving you too long", "Pain in my heart", "My lover's prayer".

2. Alone - Heart (1987)

Ann Wilson has the most amazing voice and when she belts out songs, I almost want to cry. I really dislike it when people try to sing Heart songs. There are just certain groups, singers, that you shouldn't try to cover. I believe Heart is one of those groups. However, when Heart covers Led Zeppelin, it is nothing short of AMAZING!!! I really wish there was an Ann Wilson, Robert Plant duet album. Those two voices together, would be something to hear.

3. Purple Rain Soundtrack -Prince (1984)

I know I am supposed to be doing songs, not albums, but just to save space I didn't name every song on this album. It's really hard to pick just one Prince song, I could do a list of all Prince songs and reasons for liking each one. Prince is such a great talent. Singing, writing, producing, plus he plays guitar like a freaking genius, AND he can act. I mean, have you seen Purple Rain? (I know some of you will think I am crazy! He did a pretty good job acting in that movie, even if he was playing himself for the most part.) Don't even get me started on the Revolution or when he was just a symbol without a name. Also there is a song on this album called Darling Nikki and it's about a dirty girl. Makes me laugh every time.

4. The Ten Crack Commandments - Notorious B.I.G. (1997)

What? I like some rap songs. I prefer the early hip-hop/rap. I can't handle that bogus crap that comes out nowadays. I love Mos Def and KRS-ONE, and Common. I can't stand the ignorant rappers like T.I. and Lil Wayne. This song is just some good old fashioned rules that you should all follow in any business not just drug dealing. HAHAHA!! My mom is probably having a heart attack reading this. Sorry mom but I like this song and I promise this is the only song you will want to disown me for liking. Blame Dave for me liking Rap/Hip Hop

5. Mary Jane's Last Dance- Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (1993)

I feel like I have loved this song my whole life and then I realized it came out in 1993. I would have guessed the late 80s. Shows what I know. There is a long story that goes with this song that I will save for another time. It involves a little old lady at a nursing home in a wheelchair......

6. Joy to The World - Three Dog Night (1970)

The main person who influenced my love of music when I was younger, was my mom. She loves Three Dog Night and she always sang this song "Jeremiah was a bull froggy!" She knows those aren't the right words but she has this almost creepy frog obsession so that part of the song always makes her smile. I hear this song and can hear her singing it. It's one of those songs that triggers a memory about a person. I also like the song One by Three Dog Night.

7. Smile - Charlie Chaplin (1936) (Lyrics added in 1954)

When Chaplin wrote this song it had no lyrics. It was the soundtrack to the movie Modern Times. It has now been recorded many times by many different artists. It was one of Michael Jackson's favorite songs and was played at his funeral. My favorite version is sung by Nat King Cole

8. Octopus Garden - The Beatles (1969)

I am pretty sure Ringo Starr was on some major drugs when he wrote this song. It doesn't matter to me though. I sang and danced to this song when I was in Sunshine Generation!! (My first singing and dancing fore, when I was much much younger.) There are many Beatles songs that should be on this list, they are after all, one of the greatest bands of all time!!!! I just picked this one because it has sentimental value.

9. Imagine - John Lennon (1971)

I don't really think I need to talk too much about this song. If this song is not in your list of favorite songs, then you need help. Seriously!! Lyrically alone this song is a masterpiece.

10. (Can't live without your) Love and Affection - Nelson (1990)

Judge me all you want to, but this song is catchy and makes me super happy. Plus Nelson was a band of two twin brothers who's father was Ricky Nelson! How can you go wrong?

11. Islands in the Stream - Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers (1983)

This song was written by the Bee Gees, yet was a huge hit for Parton and Rogers. It has been called the greatest country duet by CMT television. I don't know if I would go that far, but none the less i love this song. I sang it in 8th grade choir class. We even had a dance to the song. Yes, I still know the dance and I have done it many times over the years. This fact makes me a nerd, and I don't care.

12. Baba O'Riley - The Who (1972)

Some people refer to this song as "teenage wasteland". Those people should be punched in the face. This is one of the most recognizable songs ever, but unfortunately people don't know the name. I love it anyway!!! I am sure you do too!

13. She's So Unusual (album) - Cyndi Lauper (1983)

Like I have said before, my list, my rules. I could never in a million years pick just one song off of this album and I knew you would get even more bored if I listed them individually. Yeah I can't even begin to tell you how much this album influenced me. In fact I actually owned the record. That's right, the vinyl. Not a cd or a cassette tape. There are pictures of me with headphones on my head after I have fallen asleep listening to this album. I knew it forwards and backwards. I still do. EVERY single song. I am pretty sure I had these songs memorized before I ever even went to school. My earliest memories of music are from this album. Crazy, right? THANKS MOM!!!!!! P.s. I really want a record player. I love the sound so much better than mp3s or cds.....sigh......

14. Standing Outside the Fire - Garth Brooks (1993)

When I first bought the Garth Brooks greatest hits tape (yeah I said tape), I was only interested in the song Friends in Low Places. Then I listened to the whole tape, over and over and over again. There was/is not a song on there that I do not like. This song, however, has some great lyrics and it is super catchy. I am sure most people will say, "boo Garth Brooks", "He Sucks", but those are the same people that sing along at the bar when Friends in Low Places comes on. We will ignore the work he put out when he decided to be "Chirs Gaines".......

15. Over the Rainbow - as sung by Sam Harris (not sure of the year)

This man's voice is out of control amazing. If you haven't heard his version of this Judy Garland song, then you are missing out. BIG TIME!!!! For those trivia buffs out there, Sam became famous for 15 after winning it all on Star Search. Of course the song has been done a million times by a million different people, but I love this one. THANKS TAMAR!!!!!

16. Dirty Diana, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Pretty Young Thing - Michael Jackson (various years)

I'm not even going to get into it. MJ is the GOAT!!!! Too bad he will forever be marred by the sexual abuse allegations, cause he had talent that is off the charts. I don't think anyone is a close 2nd. Madonna and Paul McCartney are distant runners up.

17. Beast of Burden - The Rolling Stones (1978)

I severely dislike The Stones. I hate it that they are always in the discussion of "greatest band of all time"!! However, even I love this song. That is all I am going to say because adding this song to my list made me sick a little.

18. Breaking Me - Jonny Lang (1998)

If you are into Blues, this song is great. Jonny Lang has 2 albums that I own and absolutely recommend. Wander This World and Lie To Me. His voice is nice and smooth and yet really intense. If you listen to the 2 albums, you'll know what I mean. Even some of the great Blues artists have praised him, so he is the real deal. I am sure none of you reading this have even heard of him, let alone heard this song. You should take a listen.

19. For The Good Times - Ray Price (1970)

Kris Kristoferson wrote this song, but Ray Price had the biggest hit with it. My Uncle Riley used to sing this song to me all the time. He was/is one of my favorite people EVER.

20. Freewill - Rush (1980)

I love Rush and was introduced to them by a person that I will not talk about since we are no longer friends. This is my favorite Rush song because the lyrics are great and it has a pretty awesome guitar solo halfway through the song. "If you choose not to decide you still have made a choice", is still one of my favorite lyrics of all time.

21. Somebody to Love - Queen (1976)

I know there isn't much I need to say about Queen that hasn't already been said. I will just say that this is my favorite Queen song and I love Freddie's voice. He had a true rock voice and if ever there was anyone born to be a performer, it was definitely Freddie Mercury.

22. Fool in the Rain, Kashmir, Rain Song, Stairway to heaven, Whole lotta love, - Led Zeppelin (various years/albums)

My mom is in love with Robert Plant. Let me just say, that, that is one old dude who would get it!!! He personifies rock music and oozes sexiness. Let's not forget that his voice is a gift from god. I know that sounds cliche and ridiculous, but rock music owes as much to Led Zeppelin as it does to The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix's. Aside from Robert Plant being the led singer, you have freaking Jimmy Page as the guitarist, John Paul Jones on keyboards, and John Bonham on drums. Id say this was a musical match that will not soon be equaled.

23. Everybody Wants to Rule the World - Tears for Fears (1985)

I love Tears For Fears, and they actually have quite a few songs that I would consider to be one of my favorites. I also like Mad World, Shout, as well as Head over Heels and Sowing the Seeds Of Love. I think Tears for Fears in underrated and doesn't usually get the credit they deserve for writing/performing songs. Songs From the Big Chair is one of my favorite albums too.

24. Pennies From Heaven - as sung by Dean Martin (not sure what year)

Dino was one of many very famous people who recorded this song. I love his version because Dean's voice is just great. I don't think there will ever be another Rat Pack and I want to hit people who call George Clooney, "This generation's Frank Sinatra". I know most people would disagree, but I like Dean Martin more than Frank Sinatra. His voice gives me goose bumps. If you get the chance I highly recommend you listen to Dean sing Return to Me.....it will change your life. I promise. Or at least the way you look at the love of your life.

25. Bye Bye Love - The Everly Brothers (1957)

My Dad, Jerry, loves the Everly Brothers. He is the one who really influenced me when it came to older music. Every summer we went to the Kool Concert, which is a concert that the oldies station in Colorado would put on each year. I saw so many amazing groups, that it is hard to remember all of them. I will list a few just to give you a taste of how awesome those concerts were. Tommy James and the Shondels, The Temptations (not all the original members), Diana Ross and the Supremes (not all original supremes) The Beach Boys, The Four Tops, The Monkees, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and more that I can't remember right this moment. At the time I didn't realize how lucky I was to see all of those people. All I knew is I loved the music. Now, I can say I have seen some of the greatest acts of all time, even if they were not in their prime when I saw them.

26. I Want to be Loved Like That - Shenandoah (1993)

"Natalie Wood gave her heart to James Dean. A high school rebel and a teenage queen. Standing together in an angry world. One boy fighting for one girl. I want to be loved like that. I want to be loved like that. A promise you can't take back. If you're gonna love me, I want to be loved like that."  This is such a pretty song. I am sure no one has heard it, that reads this blog, but it is so romantic.

27. Love - Musiq Soulchild (2000)

Look, Dave, a song past 1999!!!! All because of my husband who sings this song to me, and doesn't do a bad job either. I wish the world could hear him sing.....anyway, this song and the lyrics are beautiful.

28.  Even Now - Linda Eder (1999)

If you are into Broadway, then you know who Linda Eder is. Her voice is unbelievable. This song gives me chills.

29. In Too Deep - Genesis (Phill Collins era 1987 U.S. release)

Genesis has a lot of songs that I like. I love this song because it's catchy and since I am a lyric freak, this song is a given.

30. Why Can't this Be Love - Van Halen (1986) (from the album 5150 Sammy Hagar era)

Like Genesis Van Halen has gone through many changes. They have had Sammy Hagar and David Lee Roth as lead singers off and on since they began as a band way back in 1972. For my money though, it's the amazingness of Eddie Van Halen on guitar that makes this band so freaking awesome. I could have listed quite a few Van Halen songs on this list. I settled for this song because it is the first Van Halen song I ever heard, a very long time ago, and I still love it to this day.

31. Promises in the Dark, Shadows of the night, All Fired up - Pat Benetar (various years)

All I have to say is, thank you Ms. Benetar, you saved my life. I wont go into it in this blog, cause that may be for a different time. Just know that the song All Fired Up, got me through a VERY dark period of my life. That's the thing about music, about good music and good lyrics anyway, it can save you...... I know I am a nerd by the way.

32. Right Here Waiting - Richard Marx (1989)

This song was originally written by Marx for his wife. He was not going to release it. She encouraged him to. Thank you very much Mrs. Marx (AKA the dancing partner of Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing) What??? I figured you would like some trivia answers.....

33. Seasons of Love - Rent (Broad way version 1996)

Another song for my musical fan friends!!! There will be more to come so watch out.

34. Ill Stand By You - The Pretenders (1984)

I am pretty sure most of the people who read this blog will not read my comments on each song, so I wont bore you with crazy Niki stories. I do love this song. I was really excited when they sang it on Glee!!

35. Feel Like Makin' Love - Bad Company (1975)

Just a good ol' classic rock song!!

36. I Wanna Be There - Blessed Union of Souls (1997)

Blessed Union of Souls is more popular for their song Hey Leonardo, but this song is awesome!

37. MCs Act Like They Don't Know - KRS-One (1995)

KRS-One is an awesome lyricist. It's like listening to poetry with a beat when you hear him. I believe that is what hip/hop and rap in general have lost over the last decade. There are no longer any poets out there. Now everyone is just worried about making a buck and getting "street cred". Ill admit I didn't like hip hop until I met my husband who is a major hip hop/rap music know it all, but even I know the difference between real and fake hip hop.

38. Piece of my heart - Janis Joplin (1968)

Don't really need to say much about Janis. She was one of the many artist who died too young.

39. Are You Experienced - The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1967)

Keeping with the theme of people who died too young, we move on to Jimi Hendrix. Some would say he was the greatest guitarist who ever lived. I would not disagree with those people. It is hard to argue if you have ever seen footage of Jimi playing the guitar. It is damn near magical. Plus he was left handed which makes him even more awesome in my book. If you have never listened to this album, then you haven't "experienced" music my friend. I know that sounds ridiculously cliche and almost too cheesy, but it is the absolute truth.

40. Baby I Need Your Loving - The Four Tops (1964)

Oh how I wish I had grown up in the era of Motown. Not the garbage Motown of today. I wish I was around when groups like The Four Tops and The Temptations ruled the airwaves. My mom and her generation are so lucky.

41. UMF - Duran Duran (1993)

I love pretty much every single Duran Duran song. This song however, has a great beat and it gets stuck in my head every time I hear it. Plus who doesn't want to hear a song about the "ultimate mind f@#$"? o
Other Duran Duran songs that I love are "Hungry like the Wolf", "Ordinary World", "Notorious", "Girls on Film", "Rio", "Save a Prayer", "The Reflex", "Union of the Snake", "The Wild Boys", "A View to a Kill", and "All She Wants Is"!!!

42. Check Yes or No - George Strait (1995)

I love George Strait. When I was younger and my brother was going through his country music stage I thought he was crazy. Then all of a sudden I went through my own stage, and have never really gotten out of it. I love country music. I am not into the artists of today. Not a big Carrie Underwood fan or Taylor Swift. Give me George or Reba any day of the week and I am happy.

43. Spilled Perfume - Pam Tillis (1994)

I have been singing pretty much my whole life and this is the only song that I feel like I can sing and sound half way decent singing. If I ever get up enough nerve to sing in front of people. I mean REALLY sing, not just holler and carry on like I do, then this is the song I would sing.

44. 18 and Life - Skid Row (1989)

Mmmmm Sebastian Bach, I want to have your babies!!!! That is all I have to say about this situation here!

45. Forever Young - Alphaville (1984)

When I was younger I had a friend who was older than me. Her name was Skye and I had a huge crush on her brother. Skye died in a car accident when she was only 18. They played this song at her funeral and I have loved/hated it ever since. The lyrics to this song are almost too much to handle at times. I want to thank Jay-Z for bringing this song back onto the radio. His rap version has made it so that other stations play the original more often.

46. Dream a Little Dream - as sung by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald (I'm not really sure)

If you have never heard these two sing together, then you haven't heard music. It's breathtaking in the best way. A nice glass of wine and listening to a record player playing this song, that's how Id love to spend my weekend. Well, this song and any other Louis song. Hello, Dolly is definitely my second favorite song he sings!!

47. Lovesong - The Cure (1989)

Actually I love pretty much anything that this group has put out.

48.  Soldier of Love - Donny Osmond (1989)

That's right, I have this song on my list. Don't judge me!!!! It makes me happy and I don't care if it also makes me a nerd!

49. Out here on my own - Irene Cara (1980) From Fame

I love Irene Cara and this song is so good. It definitely deserved the Oscar...... Just saying

50. I Want it That Way- The Backstreet Boys (1999)

Judge me all you want, but this song is catchy and once it's in your head it doesn't go away. When I was younger I never had a boy band obsession. I didn't even like NKOTB when everyone else was swooning. I was all about Patrick Swayze, Jonathan Brandis, and River Phoenix. So when I was about to graduate from high school is when my obsession started. I own EVERY single Backstreet boy cd. Even the ones that you could buy at Burger King. I am sure no one knows what I am talking about, but that is ok. I will be on the Backstreet Boy bandwagon all by myself for as long as I live!!!

51. Wu-Tang Clan Aint Nothin to Fu** With - Wu-Tang Clan (1990ish or something)

Who cares about the year. If I were a rapper I'd want to be part of the Wu-Tang clan!!!!

52. Hello, I love you - The Doors (1968)

Jim Morrison is yet another example of someone who died far too young, and left everyone wondering, what if? What if he had lived to be even 30 years old??? Since I like good music I will say that there are many many Doors songs that should be on this list, but this is the song that made me love them. Well, this song and Val Kilmer playing Jim Morrison in the movie The Doors!!

53. Just Like Jesse James - Cher (1989)

For the record, I love Cher!!! I love her music, her movies, and her bad ass attitude!!! That is all!

54. Dancing on the Ceiling - Lionel Richie (1986)

I know most people would say Hello is their favorite Lionel Richie song, but not this girl!!!

55. We Didn't Start The Fire - Billy Joel (1989)

A history lesson and a song? Yes please!! Plus I sang it in Sunshine Generation so it has to be good!!

56. God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood (1984)

I sang this song in Sunshine Generation as well. I have been super patriotic ever since. If my patriotism annoys you, then blame Lee Greenwood. Also the year after I sang this in Sunshine Generation we went to Folsom Field for the 4th of July and I saw Mr. Greenwood perform this song live. It was my favorite 4th of July EVER.......until this year!

57. I'll be there for you - Bon Jovi (1989)

Yeah, it's Bon Jovi!!! What more do I need to say. Except that they are probably the best band I have ever seen in concert (thanks to my mother - in - law), and Jon i super sexy in person. It doesn't matter how far away I was sitting either. There are of course other Bon Jovi songs that I love, but this one is my favorite. I also love the Young Guns 2 soundtrack, which was Jon's first solo album and even earned him an Oscar nom!


58. Should've been a cowboy - Toby Keith (1993)

Yet another song that I listened to over and over again when I was starting to appreciate country music. Yes Dave, it is possible to appreciate Country music.

59. (You're) The Devil in Disguise - Elvis Presley (1963)

A very catchy pop tune that makes me smile when I hear it.

60. Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder (1973)

The more songs I think of, the more I realize I was born in the wrong era.... sigh..... Who doesn't like Stevie Wonder?? This song is awesome to tap dance to as well. It's fast, but gives ya a good work out!

61. Machinehead - Bush (1996)

Love me some Gavin Rossdale. He is super hot. Now he is just known as Gwen Stefani's hubby, but to me he will always be the lead singer of Bush. Apparently the band has formed again and they still tour. Razorblade Suitcase, and Sixteen Stone, will never be topped by them though.

62. The Heart Wont Lie - Vince Gill and Reba Mcentire (1993)

This song is just awesome and romantic. A lot of people don't like mooshy songs like this, but I do. I wish I could get Dave to like this stuff.

63. Civil War - Guns N Roses (1993)

I know this isn't the most popular Guns N Roses song, but I really like it and it makes me want to head bang. I don't do such things due to my head injury history of course, but the thought is there!

64. By My Side - Lori Morgan (1996)

Another great country duet song. I wish I could find a karaoke partner to sing this song with me.

65. Don't Stop Believin - Journey - (1981)

This song is my ring tone and the first three or four seconds of the song is my text message tone. That should tell you how much I love this song. Also you should know that when this song is playing in the bar and "the drunk girl" in the corner is singing it, I am not ashamed to say I am "THAT" girl!!!

66. Angel - Aerosmith (1988)

This has been one of my favorite songs at multiple times in my life, and for multiple reasons. Just love the lyrics and the music....

67. Insensitive - Jann Arden (1994)

I used to know someone I would dedicate this song to on a regular basis. They are no longer in my life, so yeah, moving on.... I do like this song though

68. Rush Rush - Paula Abdul (1991)

I know, I know, I should've picked a more popular Paula song. What does it matter, she is so drugged up she has no idea who likes her music anyway. Plus Keanu Reeves is in the music video!!! Really, what more could a girl ask for???

69. Battery - Metallica (1986)

"Crashing through the boundaries, lunacy has found me", are some of my favorite lyrics EVER!!!

70. 99 Problems - Jay-Z (2004)

I'm just excited I like a song that was made after 2000!!!

71.  Like a Prayer - Madonna (1989)

Not much can be said about Madonna that hasn't already been said. She is the only female on the same level as Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney though. I mean her name has become synonymous with pop music. The Immaculate Collection is probably the best greatest hits album ever compiled. Even Michael Jackson's Number Ones left off some of his best songs.

72. Landslide - Fleetwood Mac (1975)

It was really hard to pick just one Fleetwood Mac song, but in case you haven't noticed I really need to finish this blog. I love Stevie Nicks by herself as well.

73. Whatever Lola Wants - From the Musical Damn Yankees (1955)

I love this movie. I am such a musical nerd, but really, I don't care. Judge me all you want to.

74. Seize the Day, Carry the Banner, King of New York - From the movie Newsies (1992)

This musical is also a movie I know by heart. I love love love it!!!! I even own the sheet music....man, I am a nerd!!

75. Raining on Sunday - Keith Urban (2003)

I feel like this should be my last song on the list. 75 songs is a lot of songs to take in. I have so many more that I could add to the list, but I feel like this blog would never end. You get the picture right??? Obviously I love all kinds of music and listen to it all the time. I really need to compile a list of songs made only after 2000 that I like. That way I don't look like I haven't heard any music past 1999......

My Bucket List

Everyone should have a bucket list. When I was a little girl I dreamed of being a lawyer. I have no idea why. That dream changed, and I decided I wanted to be an F.B.I. agent. Then I went to college and decided I wanted to be a forensic serologist. Basically I wanted to spend all day at crime scenes looking at, and analyzing blood. I know it sounds like a weird job, but I really thought I could be good at it. After I had to drop out of college, I decided that maybe I should try something different. I still have no idea what to do with my life. The way I look at it is, I will live one day at a time. What if I wake up tomorrow and I am 75? Because, Life does go by that fast. If I wake up tomorrow and I am 75, will I be able to say I actually lived a full life? So I have in my head a list of things I want to do more than anything else. I had to set realistic goals. I can't possibly dream outside of my budget, or my physical abilities. Obviously I will never be a super model, or olympic figure skater or anything like that. There is still time for me to be able to do these things. I am only 29 and I have the 2 things I need the most to achieve my goals. 1. Determination, and 2. Support from my friends and family.
So without further ado, here is my list. These are things that I will accomplish before I am 75!! no doubt in my mind. It is in no particular order after no.1! No.1 is no.1 for a reason!

1. See the fireworks on the 4th of July in our nations capital.
   As many of you know, I have already done this. I only live 2 hours from Washington, DC, however it took me 10 years to be able to go there on the 4th of July. I always made up an excuse to not go. I figured it would be too hot for me (which for the record, it was and I nearly died). I knew there would be a lot of people and I don't do well with large crowds of people. (There were like 500,000 people in a space meant for like 100,000, so you figure out if there were some boundary issues.) In the end I told myself that no person as patriotic as myself, who lives this close to our nation's capital, should miss this opportunity. I am more than glad that I did it, and it was one of the most amazingly patriotic days of my life, hands down.

2. Take a photography class (this is the beginning of a theme you will see)
   It's simple really: I love pictures. I would love to be able to take a picture that takes a person's breath away. I look at Ansel Adams' work and it is amazing. This item will be harder to do since a good camera isn't exactly cheap and neither is a photography class. I will do it some day though.

3. Take a cooking class (told ya there was a theme)
   I know how to cook. I know how to bake. I know how to do these two things because I know how to read a recipe. What I don't know how to do is create a meal. I want to be able to look at a bunch of different ingredients and see a meal, not just a bunch of ingredients. I sometimes make up meals for myself and even though I think they are great, I want other people to try them and think they are great as well.

4. Take a Tap Class (a work in progress, more on this in another upcoming blog)

5. Go Skydiving
    This is a far off item on the list. I figure I should actually, literally live a little before I attempt this. After all, a person with my history of head injuries, may not want to jump out a plane without having done a few other things on their bucket list first.

6. Get a patriotic tattoo somewhere on my body
   I am hoping to have this one done by the end of next year. I have yet to find "the one". I have been looking for awhile now and I know I will know it when I see it. I am thinking about getting the sheet music for the Star Spangled Banner tattooed on the top of my foot.....

This is all I have so far. I will add to the list as I think of things. I have a lot of living to do, so as I cross things off the list, I will add more things to it.  Love you all! Thanks for reading if you made it this far...........

From 15 to 20, YIKES!!!!!!

This is a blog that will probably bore my 11 readers to death. I am going to try and make it as entertaining as possible. I started out wanting to write about my top 10 favorite movies of all time. I couldn't get the list down to 15, let alone 10, so I decided on 20. These movies are not all considered to be "good" movies, and some of them wouldn't make AFI's top 100, if their movie lives depended on it. These movies are MY favorites!!! They are movies that you would never want to watch with me. Why? It's simple really, I know them by heart and can not stop myself from quoting them while watching them. So without further Ado, here is my list, in no particular order.

1. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)
Starring: Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard (AKA Hannibal from The A-Team)

My favorite quote: "He's all right! Aren't you, cat? Poor cat! Poor slob! Poor slob without a name! The way I see it I haven't got the right to give him one. We don't belong to each other. We just took up one day by the river. I don't want to own anything until I find a place where me and things go together. I'm not sure where that is but I know what it is like."

I don't know what it is about this movie, but I absolutely adore it. I know most people would consider it to be a classic, but I like it because it was short, sweet, and to the point. Audrey Hepburn is so amazing and innocent, yet not so innocent, in this movie! How could you not like it?? Plus Hannibal is in it and he is so freaking cute, it's almost unbearable.

2. You Can't Take It With You (1938)
Starring: Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, James Stewart, Edward Arnold

Favorite Quote:  Way too many to put in a blog

The reason why I can't pick a favorite quote from this movie is simple; The entire script is my favorite quote! Just watch it, trust me, you'll love it. I know its extremely dated, but the message holds true even in today's greedy society, You Cant Take It With You! Quite honestly if I absolutely, positively, had to pick a number 1 favorite movie of all time, this would probably be it. If you decide to watch it make sure you keep in mind that the movie was made in 1938!

3. Oklahoma (1955)
Starring: Shirley Jones, Gordan MacRae

Favorite Song: I'm just a girl who can't say no

When it comes to musicals, you cant have a favorite quote, it has to be song, right?? Anyway, when I was younger, my mom and I would sit and watch musicals together. She is the reason I can't get enough of them. Even now, when I flip through the channels, I always stop on TCM or AMC just to see if a musical is on. I will always have a special place in my heart for such movies, because they remind me of time well spent with my mom. As I got older, mom took me to see musicals on stage! Oklahoma has been my favorite musical since I was very little, so it makes the list for sure. I do not recommend this movie to everyone who reads this blog. (i.e. my husband, who wouldn't be caught dead watching a musical anyway!)

4. The Breakfast Club (1985)
Starring: Molly Ringwald, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson

Favorite Quote: "Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place" -John Bender

I don't really need to explain why this movie is on my list. I am sure that all 11 of my readers love this movie just as much as I do and can probably say every line in it, as I can! This movie is actually special to me for a different reason. This movie is one of the movies that me and my older brother watched together. Over and over and over again. We both know it by heart and we both loved it every time we watched it. This move, like, You Cant Take It With You, is dated, but still relevant. There have even been great debates about a possible remake, and who would play each character. The great thing about these types of movies, is the fact that the message still holds true. We are all different, but only on the outside. On the inside we are all human and all have human feelings and emotions. It's Cheesy! It's Cliche! It's TRUE!!!

5. Say Anything (1989)
Starring: John Cusack, Ione Skye, John Mahoney

Favorite Quote: "I gave her my heart and she gave me a pen."-Lloyd Dobbler

This movie made the song "In your Eyes," by Peter Gabriel famous. Most people know this movie from the scene where Lloyd is standing in the rain with his boom box over his head, blaring the afor mentioned song towards Diane's window. Basically, this movie rocks because John Cusack was born to play Lloyd Dobbler. The innocence, naivety, and vulnerability of Cusack in this movie, make this character on of my favorite heroes of all time. Yes, I said hero! He saves his love interest and at the same time saves himself. if you don't see that, then you need to watch the movie again.
Side Bar: I believe this to be Cameron Crowe's best movie. I know he brought us Almost Famous and Jerry Macguire, but this movie also had The Pivs (aka Jeremy Piven)

6. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Starring: Eric Stoltz, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Leah Thompson

Favorite Quote: "you can't judge a book by it's cover."-Keith  "No, but you can tell how much it's gonna cost."-Watts

Most "chick flicks" focus on the girl who wants the guy, and her journey to get him. Some Kind of Wonderful focus' more on the guy and his journey to realize the girl he wants has been in front of him all along. Leah Thompson although beautiful at the time, was nowhere near as hot as tomboy Mary Stuart Masterson, in my opinion. I loved Masterson in this movie and I still cry when Keith gives Watts the earrings at the end and says, "you look good wearing my future."

7.  A Few Good Men (1992)
Starring: Tom Cruise, Demi Moore, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Bacon, Kevin Pollak, Kiefer Sutherland

Favorite Quote: "Why does a Lieutenant Junior Grade with nine months' experience and a track record for plea bargaining get assigned to a murder case? Would it be so it never sees the inside of a courtroom?"-Kaffee

This movie should have won some Oscars, but unfortunately came out the same year as Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven. This is a movie that can never be remade and will forever be known as the movie where Jack Nicholson says, "you can't handle the truth." I am not in any way a huge Tom Cruise fan, but this movie has so much heart and depth, that you can't help but like him in it. The casting in this movie is unbelievable and in this movie alone, you can link Kevin Bacon to 500 different actors. If you haven't seen this movie, I recommend you watch it. It is on TNT or some other cable network at least once a week, but I wouldn't suggest you watch it on cable the first time you see it. (this is one of maybe 2 movies on the list that my husband will not have a smart comment about BTW)

8. The Rock (1996)
Starring: Nicholas Cage, Sean Connery

Favorite Quote: "We are on an island with a bunch of violence for pleasure seeking psychopathic Marines! Shame on them!!!"

Mmmmmm Sean Connery!! I saw this movie for the first time with one of my best friends, Margot. She and I loved this movie so much that we literally watched it a hundred times together, and that probably isn't a made up number. We literally watched it every time we stayed at each other's house for like 3 years straight. Or so it seems..... I doubt Margot will read this, but I am sure she would agree with me. I remember laughing hysterically through out the whole movie. This is a movie that you really don't want to watch with me. Of all the movies on the list, besides The Breakfast Club, I know this one line for line....... I still need to watch it with my friend Sean Kerin, so he can see how truly awesome it is, even if Nicholas Cage is one of the main stars!!!

9. Dirty Dancing (1987)
Starring: Patrick Swayze (RIP), Jennifer Grey, Jerry Orbach (RIP)

Favorite Quote: "I carried a watermelon."

Oh Johnny Castle, how do I love thee? This movie made a million girls fall in love with Patrick Swayze! I am not ashamed to admit I was one of them. In fact I had such a thing for "The Swayz", that I named my cat "Ditto" after a line in the movie Ghost! This movie definitely puts all those other "dance" movies to shame. I love this movie because not only does it tell a story, but it also lets you believe you are a part of the story. Also highly recommended is the soundtrack!!!

10. Road House (1989)
Starring: Patrick Swayze, Kelly Lynch, Sam Elliot

Favorite quote: "All you have to do is follow three simple rules. One, never underestimate your opponent. Expect the unexpected. Two, take it outside. Never start anything inside the bar unless it's absolutely necessary. And three, be nice."-Dalton

I figured since no.9 was Dirty Dancing, no.10 could be Road House. I am not gonna lie, this movie makes me happy EVERY time I see it. When the beginning credits start, my heart starts racing. I was torn between which movie is the best "b" movie of all time; Road House or Big Trouble in Little China??? For my money, it's Road House! If nothing else, you get a nice shot of Patrick Swayze's butt, you get to see Sam Elliot in all his glory, and you get to see "the Swayz" kick some serious ass. For what it's worth Sam Elliot is one hot older guy, in my opinion and has the sexiest voice EVER!!!! This movie has so many awesome quotes and one liners, it is hard to watch it without memorizing it.
Side bar: Patrick Swayze movies that should be on the list but aren't.
Red Dawn
The Outsiders (I was so torn about putting this one on the main list)
Next of Kin
Ghost
Point Break ("Utah? Bring me 2')
Youngblood
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (Patrick Swayze plays a drag queen suprisingly well, as does Wesley Snipes.)

11. A League of Their Own (1992) (I really don't have any movies on here past like 1996.)
Starring: Genna Davis, Tom Hanks, Lori Petty, Madonna, Rosie O'Donnell (annoying lesbian crusader), John Lovitz, Bill Pullman

Favorite Quote: "Hey Cow girls, see the grass? Don't eat it!"-Ernie Capadino

I saw this movie in the theatre with my friend Margot, and her family. It is one of those movies that puts you through an emotional ringer. I cried, I laughed, I was angry, but most of all, I never forgot this movie. There were many Tom Hanks movies that I had to choose from. Forrest Gump and Big very nearly made the list. If you like sports movies, then you will love this movie!

12. What's Eating Gilbert Grape (1993)
Starring: Johnny Depp, Leonardo Dicaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen

Favorite Moment: "Gilbert: I want Momma to take aerobics classes. I want Ellen to grow up. I want a new brain for Arnie. I want...


Becky: What do you want for you? Just for you?

Gilbert: I want to be a good person.

Before Titanic made him a huge star, What's Eating Gilbert Grape earned Leo an Oscar nom. For my money this is the role for which Leo should have won an Oscar. When I worked at Circuit City (RIP), people would come up to me and ask for "The movie with the little retarded boy and Johnny Depp". Now granted, I live in BFE VA, and most of these people are not that intelligent, but still, Leo was totally believable as a person with special needs. Not to take away from the fact that Johnny Depp plays an awesome role as Gilbert Grape, but Leo obviously steals the show. This movie is slightly depressing to watch and even I have to be in a special mood to watch it, but it is worth the time if you have never seen it.


13. Sleeping Beauty (1959) (Disney)
Voiced by: Mary Costa

Favorite Song: Once upon a Dream


As far as Disney movies go, I am an addict. I have to own them the minute they are out on DVD! Sleeping Beauty is my favorite and I have not found a kids movie that I like more, yet. A close 2nd place goes to The Sword in the Stone, mainly because I love the story of King Arthur!! Sleeping Beauty for some reason, is one of those movies that I never get sick of and the 3 fairies crack me up every time. The scene where they are trying to decide what color to make Aurora's dress, is a scene that always makes me happy. I am sure this makes me a weirdo, but I don't care!!!

14. The Goonies (1985)
Starring: Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohan (aka Chunk and he is hot now ladies), Kerry Green, and Martha Plimpton

Favorite Quote: "Everything. OK! I'll talk! In third grade, I cheated on my history exam. In fourth grade, I stole my uncle Max's toupee and I glued it on my face when I was Moses in my Hebrew School play. In fifth grade, I knocked my sister Edie down the stairs and I blamed it on the dog... When my mom sent me to the summer camp for fat kids and then they served lunch I got nuts and I pigged out and they kicked me out... But the worst thing I ever done - I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa - and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life."-Chunk

I don't really need to say much about this movie. It has become such a classic, that AMC devoted a whole weekend to it on the 25th, yes 25th anniversary of it's release. I saw this movie for the first time at a drive in, and have been addicted ever since. One of these days I will be able to get my husband to watch it all the way through and not on basic cable!

15. Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, John Ashton
Favorite Quote: "We're not gonna fall for the banana in the tail pipe."

There were many cheesy campy cop movies I could have picked. I love this movie the most because I still laugh hysterically when Axel Foley meets Balcky from perfect strangers, and Axel's one liners never get old.
Side Bar: Cop Movies that almost made the cut
Tango & Cash
48 hours
Another 48 Hours (has my other favorite Eddie Murphy moment. When he is in the bar and Nick Nolte is getting his ass kicked, Eddie Murphy gets a gun from the bartender and says, "All right, knock this shit off! I HAVE BEEN HAVING A VERY BAD DAY! I just got out of jail this morning! Already I've been shot at, I was on a bus that flipped over seventeen times, bitch tried to stab me in the bathroom, and somebody blew up my Porsche! I am in a BAD goddamn mood! Now I usually don't step in on things like this, but this man Jack Cates is gonna help me straighten out the rest of my day! So I suggest you all back up, and let us go about our business!") hahaha makes me LOL big time!!!!!
To Live and Die in L.A.
Demolition Man

16. The Lost Boys (1987)
Starring: Corey Haim (RIP), Corey Feldman, Jason Patric, Kiefer Sutherland, Dianne Wiest, Jami Gertz

Favorite Line: "What about Nanook? What'd you do to my dog, you asshole?"

Before Twilight and True Blood came along and ruined my vampire fantasies, there were the Lost Boys. Two hot brothers fighting the evil vampires that stalk the boardwalk at night? Sign me up!! If one of them just so happens to turn into a vampire, that is fine with me. Add in Kiefer Sutherland's sexy night stalker self, and you have yourself a Niki day dream. This movie has so many great lines and was the first time "the Two Coreys" were seen together, it doesn't get much better than this movie.
Side Bar: "Two Corey" movies that nearly made the cut
License to Drive
Dream a Little Dream

17. Young Guns 1 and 2 (1988, 1990)
Starring: Emilio Estevez, Kiefer Sutherland, Lou Diamond Phillips, Charlie Sheen(part1), Christian Slater(part2), Durmot Mulroney(part1), Casey Siemaszko(part1), Terrence Stamp(part1), Jack Pallance(part1), William Peterson(part2), Balthazar Getty(part2), Jon Bon Jovie(uncredited part2), Viggo Mortensen(part2)

Favorite Quotes: "You can go to hell hell hell!" "Ill make you famous!" "It's your gang Dave."

What? It's my blog, if I want to combine 2 movies, then I will!! I love the story of Billy the Kid, and so I watched both of these movies with my brothers, multiple times growing up. The fact that all of the actors who I had crushes on were in the same movie, only added to my excitement. The second movie has one of the most underrated soundtracks, that people never talk about anymore. If you watch part 2 very closely you even get to see Jon Bon Jovi's cameo! He dies, but still, it's Bon Jovi!!!

18. Any River Phoenix movie

I liked him, A LOT!!! He was super talented and died way to young. His acting credits included: Stand by Me, The Mosquito Coast, Little Nikita, A Night in the life of Jimmy Reardon (of which I had a poster on my door for a very long time), Running on Empty, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (still my favorite Indiana Jones movie to date), My Own Private Idaho, and Sneakers. He was also nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe for his performance in Running on Empty. If you get the chance and are bored one day I would recommend any one of these movies. Running on Empty is a great choice any time!

19. Pump Up the Volume (1990)
Starring: Christian Slater, Samantha Mathis

Favorite Quote: "Talk hard, I like that. It's like a dirty thought in a nice clean mind"

This movie is not quite the cult classic as my runner up Christian Slater movie, Heathers, but it should be. Plus it's an Indie film that most Indie nuts havent even heard of, let alone seen. A movie about a bunch of kids rebelling against adults, by listening to the radio, has to be up there right? Wrong! The description sounds boring, but I promise you, this movie is anything but. Slater's radio name is Hard Harry. If that doesn't make you laugh out loud, I dont know what will.

Side Bar: Christian Slater movies that didn't make the cut
Gleaming the Cube (only cool people have heard of this movie)
The Name of the Rose
Heathers
The Wizard (yes Dave, I like this movie)
Mobsters (mmmm Richard Grieco)
Kuffs
True Romance
Untamed Heart
Murder in the First (such a good movie and Kevin Bacon is awesome in it)
Ok, so maybe I really like Christian Slater A LOT!!!!!

20. Seven (1995)
Starring: Brad Pitt, Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey, Gwyneth Paltrow

Favorite Quote: "C'mon, he's insane. Look. Right now he's probably dancing around in his grandma's panties, yeah, rubbing himself in peanut butter."

You will find that I am not a Brad Pitt fan by any means. He is a little too pretty for my taste and I think he is a mediocre actor who usually lands good roles, in sometimes great movies. I thought he was outstanding in Troy. That movie nearly made my list, but as you can see from the dates of most of these movies, Troy was made too recently for my taste. hahaha! Seven is a movie that leaves you guessing the first time you see it, and rewatching it just to make sure what you just saw, REALLY HAPPENED. If you have never seen it, I wont give anything away, just know that this movie still gives me the creeps.
Side Bar: Other suspense type movies that nearly made the cut
Silence of The Lambs
The Usual Suspects
Pulp Fiction
Sleepers
Murder in the First

Well, that's my list. I am sure I will kick myself later for leaving some movies out. I just remembered how much I love the original Star Wars movies as well....dang it!! Just so you know, Tropic Thunder, Troy, and Iron Man, all almost made the list. Also, I was waivering on whether or not to include Top Gun. I decided against it because EVERYONE likes Top Gun and knows it by heart. or at least everyone cool, does!!

When KingLeo met Elmatress

People always look at me funny when I tell them I met my husband on the Internet. Maybe its because we didn't meet on one of those dating sites? We met in a football chat room.

Let me start from the beginning....

When I was a senior in high school, my mom had a computer obsession. She would spend hours on Yahoo, in a chat room designed for people to go in and talk about football. She made a ton of friends and usually the same people showed up and chatted in this room. She still talks to a lot of the people 11 years later.

I moved away from home not long after I graduated. The summer of 1999 I made my way across the country and ended up in Harrisonburg, Virginia. I have no idea what made me think moving to VA was a good idea. In many ways, and for many years I regretted my decision. I made many friends, but it never really felt like home. I was looking for ways to go back to CO.

In April of 2003, I went home for a visit. Mom was still chatting in her chat room and had met new people. She told me about some kid with the nickname "Leo". I told her I was not in the mood to talk to guys from the Internet. My previous boyfriend was a guy I met online and he turned out to be a cheating asshole. She insisted that I would like this guy and when he found out she had a daughter he said he wanted to talk to me. I still don't know what made him think he needed to talk to me. He was a Packers fan and I was a Chiefs fan. It was, after all, a football chat room. So I took a chance. So began, the story of Dave and Niki....

So then the next thing I know, I am talking to this guy on the phone every single day. Sometimes for hours at night. It was ridiculous how much time I spent on the phone. I was really starting to like him too. I knew this couldn't end well, so in July I decided I would just stop talking to Dave. He didn't like that very much and was super persistent. He called me numerous times, and told me that he liked me too much to stop talking to me. Against my better judgement, I figured Id keep talking to him. If nothing else at least I had made a friend.

Dave spent the next 7 months, writing me love letters, sending me money when I needed it, and calling me every single day without fail. I still have the love letters. Anyone who knows Dave, knows that if there is one thing in this world he can do, it's write. Imagine how short, sweet, well written, and to the point a love letter would be from Dave, and you are correct.

In Nov. Dave was turning 21. He invited me to come to NJ and go to Atlantic City with him for his birthday. I just took another big chance and decided to do it. We had been talking on the phone for 7 months. Why not meet in person, right?

So a friend of mine drove me up to NJ. I was scared and nervous to go by myself. You hear all these creepy stories about guys from the Internet ya know? When I first saw Dave, he was standing outside his mom's apartment building. He wasn't as tall as I thought and he kind of looked like a street thug. (hahaha! Sorry, I just pictured it again. That site makes me laugh, and smile, and makes my heart swell to this day) He ordered me Domino's hot wings. It was late at night and they were the only place open. Plus I was craving hot wings.

We stayed the night at his place and then went to AC the next day. It was an amazing couple of days. Dave payed attention to me, listened when I talked, and most importantly, MADE ME LAUGH. I didn't want to leave. I was convinced that was the last time I would ever see him. I was feeling like a cliche from a movie. Girl falls for a guy while on vacation. Girl has to leave. Girl never sees the guy again and becomes a bitter old cat lady. That, however, didn't happen.

Dave had never been on a plane in his life. I told him I was going to Colorado for Christmas. He said he wanted to come to. I was a little surprised. I was also nervous. My family is not the most normal of families. My older brother is the manager of an Adult Entertainment store, and at the time, my younger brother was, well he was a stripper I believe.......

So we spent that Christmas together, and I could tell I was really starting to like Dave. I didn't want to put myself through a long distance relationship though. It sucked leaving Colorado. Not only was I having to say good bye to my friends and family, but I was having to say good bye to Dave as well. Then we saw each other again....

Dave convinced his mom and sister to drive him down to VA. in Feb for valentines day. It was crazy. We got to spend a couple more days together and he had to leave again. Now it had been almost a year and I was getting really discouraged. Dave was going to college at the time and I couldn't afford to move to NJ, plus at the time I really wanted to move back to Colorado. When Dave left this time, he told me he wanted to move down to VA in May when school let out.

So in May of  2004 Dave moved down to Virginia to be with me. It was a decision that I couldn't believe he made. He left all of his friends and family and even his dreams of finishing college in NJ, to be with me. We lived in a house in Staunton until March of 2005. In March, we moved to Harrisonburg. We have lived in the same apartment complex ever since.

For four years we were Just happy to be together. We talked about having kids all the time and tried for awhile. I told him I cared more about having kids then I did about getting married. Both of us have divorced parents, so we have equally negative outlooks on the whole matrimony issue.

Then in Aug of 2008 I started having a lot of problems. I was sick all the time and never seemed to be well. I was constantly shaking and feeling light headed. I was always thirsty and even when I drank 8 bottles of water a day, my thirst was never quenched. I gained 60 lbs and I couldn't get it to go away. In Jan. of 2009, I ended up in the E.R. I was pretty sure I had strep throat, but I was scared because I had a high fever and was really not feeling well that night. Dave came with me to the E.R. He was pretty worried, and I was about to find out just how worried...

The E.R. doctors at this hospital I was at, are not very compassionate or smart. I wont name names, but I am sure anyone reading this who lives in VA knows which hospital I am talking about. So I was laying on a very uncomfortable bed and the Dr came in and checked me. They really didn't know what was wrong so they just gave me an i.v. drip of some antibiotics and told me I needed a family Dr. Dave held my hand as they put the needle in. The Dr. said I might fall asleep. Dave just kept holding my hand. Then I passed out. I have no idea how long I was asleep. When I woke up, Dave was still holding my hand. He was just looking at me like no one had ever looked at me before. I wish it wasn't such a cheesy moment, but it was. I knew by the look on his face 3 things. 1. He wasn't letting go of my hand, 2. He was pretty scared , and 3. I wanted to marry this man.

So I went to an OBGYN and found a Family Dr. Between the 2 Dr. I found out what was wrong with me. I have type 2 diabetes and PCOS. The PCOS makes it nearly impossible for me to lose weight and helped with development of the diabetes. I have a severe case of PCOS because I don't ovulate at all, whereas some womenw ith it are able to ovulate and can still get pregnant, I cant. At least I can't get pregnant without a lot of help. This I know makes it really hard on Dave, since I know he wants babies as much as, if not more than I do. He is bound and determined to be a daddy and to be a better Father than his biological father was.

After all of this news, I just figured it would be smart to at least get married. If anything happens to me health wise, I need someone to be able to make decisions, and who better than the guy who has held my hand through it all??? In February of 2009, my mom and Dave's mom decided that they would both come visit in March. I figured why not get married when they were both here since there was no way we could afford a big formal wedding.

So one night after I picked Dave up from work, while we were driving home, this is the conversation we had, in typical Dave and Niki fashion:
Me: "since our moms are both going to be here the end of March, you wanna get married?"
Dave: "sure"
Me: "OK what are you gonna do when we get home?"
Dave: "play some Call of Duty. you?"
Me: "Watch t.v. I guess."

Not much has changed in the 7 years we have been together. I occasionally almost sign my name Niki Vance, that's about it. Dave still makes me laugh, and he grabs my hand every chance he gets. (it's one of the things I love the most and I am sure now he will comment about it) I always read about people asking older couples "whats the secret to a long happy marriage?" It's usually the same 2 or 3 different responses "the wife is always right", "never go to bed angry", or "listen to what the other person has to say". In my opinion it's all about being there to hold the other person's hand and above all else, MAKE THE OTHER PERSON LAUGH!!!!!!

(Cue Dave saying "I am funnier than her")

Concussion Much????

So lately I have been having these really bad headaches. I have decided that my numerous head injuries are finally catching up to me. Lets start from the beginning.......




When I was about four or five (mom says 2 1/2 maybe 3), My brother and I ran into each other when we both were running full speed in the basement. His tooth got stuck in my forehead. There was a lot of blood, and it hurt, but not too terribly bad. I have a scar that you can barely see to this day.



When I was about eight years old (mom says 5) my mom told me and my brothers that we had to go pull weeds in the garden. I decided that it would be a good idea to chop these weeds down with a meat cleaver while mom was at work. We did not have a very responsible baby sitter, obviously. So as I was chopping the weeds, I cam across this really strong overgrown bush. It was shaped like a rainbow. Somehow there was a root on each side and I could not pull it. So I got my handy dandy meat cleaver and proceeded to chop at this huge monster. I eventually thought it would be a good idea to take the cleaver and chop away at the rainbow of weed, by going underneath it and swinging the blade upward toward my face. Well, guess what happened when the weed gave way? You are correct, I hit myself in the head with a meat cleaver. I have a very tiny scar from this as well. There was blood and it hurt, but in the end I had what looked like a scratch on my forehead.



When I was Ten, I was running through the apartment complex where my family lived. In the middle of this complex, there were huge metal clothes lines. I never saw clothes on them. They were rusted and the paint was chipping off of them. Mostly we just tried to hang off of them and not make them tip over. So anyway, one day I was running around them with my brothers. I was not paying attention to what I was doing so I ran right into one. There just so happened to be a screw sticking out of the metal. The screw jammed tight in between my eyes and the blood was out of control. I mean I would have never believed blood could literally squirt out of a person if I hadn't seen it for myself. My mom saw it and freaked out. She made me put a towel on my head and kept screaming "apply pressure Nichole, Apply Pressure," She then tried to squeeze my head so hard I thought it was going to pop off. SO I was rushed to the hospital for the first time I could ever remember. When the nurses and Dr saw me they rushed me right in. The Dr took the towel off my head, and pushed his thumb on the wound and miraculously it stopped bleeding. Mom found this hilarious and laughed because he barely touched me and it stopped. So after cleaning up the blood we discovered that all of this blood came from a hole so tiny you could barely see it. Now I am not going to lie, this wound didn't hurt until the next day. I remember having a headache and not even being able to look at the light.



When I was about 13 I was riding in a car with my best friend Margot, and her mom. It was Superbowl Sunday and it was snowing. In Colorado people drive even during blizzards so we probably shouldn't have been on the road, but we were. So anyway, the car in front of us started spinning out of control and it hit us, and then we started spinning and we went of the road and almost hit some electrical towers. It was scary, but we were all OK. I don't remember hitting my head. I remember being very shook up and scared, but I do not remember hitting my head. The EMTs came to the scene and asked us if we were OK. I was fine. So I went home. During the Super Bowl game my head started to hurt. It got so bad I ended up throwing up like four times and I couldn't even open my eyes. I then realized that I did hit my head. I was in the back seat and was laying my head on the window when we started spinning. My head bounced off the window. I have no idea why I didn't remember hitting my head at first. Maybe I was in shock. Years later I figured out maybe I had a concussion.....



So when I worked at Circuit City(R.I.P.) I was counting money one day and I hit my head on the safe door. You know those big huge vault type safes? The ones that are made of concrete and steel? Anyone who has ever worked with one of those two ton monsters can only imagine what that felt like. I had a headache for three days from that incident.



When I quit Circuit City I had a going away shin dig and I was VERY very VERY intoxicated. I went home and fell off my bed and hit my head on the corner of my night stand. I had a black eye and it looked like my eye was bleeding for about a week. It sucked that I had to start my new job with a black eye, but I bet no one even remembers.



My toilet seat broke and I needed a new one. I went to the ol' wal marts (yes I said it this way on purpose) and I bought a new seat. I got home and thought I could put it on myself. So I went into the bathroom and tried taking the old one off. That thing refused to come off. I was pushing and pulling and the one side just wouldn't come undone. So I decided (against my better judgement) to get a hammer. I figured I could just whack the little plastic piece and it would come off. So at this point I was very frustrated. I was sweating profusely. I stripped down to my underwear and bra. I bent down and I lifted the lid and I was going to take one final swing at that damn toilet seat, I got ready and swung.......... You see somehow, and don't ask me how because I don't know, but somehow, that hammer came toward my face. So I had to move my head out of the way. When I moved my head out of the way of the hammer, my head hit the wall. Man oh man did that hurt. At that point I had a mental break down and just got in the shower and ran ice cold water. It was a horrible time. My head had a bump on it for awhile and I had a head ache for a few days. I did learn three very important lessons from this incident though.

1.toilet seats do not come off with hammers, and hammers are not supposed to come towards your face



2.It is really hot in the bathroom and apparently toilet seats do not come off just because your clothes do



3.toilets cause me to have concussions, nervous break downs and hot flashes.......so no more handy work for the bean



So now I work at a particular Grocery store which shall remain nameless. I work in the office and we have a huge safe similar to the one the I had at Circuit City. I have not hit my head on this safe yet. I am super careful around that death trap. I do, however, on a weekly basis hit my head on the shelf that sits above the computer I work at. I wonder if there is anyway to move that computer. Wishful thinking.



So last week I was putting dishes away. I always leave the cupboard doors open, because I am short, I have that luxury. I have never needed to "watch out". Or so I thought. So last week, I hit my head. It hurt like hell. It still hurts when I touch the spot that had a bump.



The next day when Dave was putting away the dishes he hit me in the head with one of the drawers that pulls out of the dishwasher. Don't ask. It happened and that's all you need to know. It was a complete accident on his part, but still. I cant believe I am no longer allowed to put away dishes.

The Previous stories were written over a year ago. Never fear, I have hit my head again. This time I managed to give myself a concussion while I was sleeping. I know what you are saying, "how in the...???". Well, when you have the "Niki Factor" following you around, it is easy.

So I was sound asleep, which is a rarity, and somehow my pillow ended up on the wrong end of the bed. I don't know exactly what happened except that I tried to lay down and the back of my head ended up hitting the headboard instead of the pillow. I must have passed out after this cause when I woke up my head hurt really really bad and I felt like I was going to puke. Yeah, I am pretty sure I should not get anymore concussions.....I should have retired a long time ago like Troy Aikmen.



So now I think that all of these head injuries are coming back t haunt me. Well that and all the stress I go through on a daily basis from dealing with a bunch of smelly, mo mo customers. I do actually feel better now since I have rambled on for like two hours. OK time for another lavender bath and maybe some tea.

Everyone Is Gay

There is a touchy subject that I have been wanting to talk about for a very long time. I have tried very hard to keep quiet, but I cant stand it any longer.

Gay Marriage!!! Why does it even have to have a label? Shouldn't marriage just be marriage. Why does it have to be different when two men do it or two women do it? I am so confused over the whole situation. I don't care to know or understand all of the laws out there about this topic either. You know why? The answer is simple. We should not be worried about people getting married in this country. There shouldn't be laws prohibiting people from having families and living happily ever after. The divorce rate is sky high on both ends of the spectrum. Gay/Straight/Black/White/interracial/ it doesn't matter. Everyone is getting divorced. Don't come at me with that "the Bible says" stuff either. Cause you know what? Our country was founded on people having different beliefs and those people didn't all believe in God either.What they all believed was that we needed a country that would accept all people. It took a while for the racial and gender issues to be resolved. You'd think we would have learned our lesson by now though.

What we should be worrying about as a country is the Govt sending more troops overseas! What we should be worrying about as a country is health care! What we should be worrying about as a country is global warming (yes it does exist)!! What we should be worrying about as a country is the oil spill that will effect so many people and their well being for such a long time. It pisses me off beyond belief that people who we choose to run our govt, I am talking all sides, not just GOP and not just Dem, are more worried about Fred and Tom getting married, than weather or not Fred and Tom have a job. I am sorry but homosexual people not having jobs effect's my life way more than them being married.

So most Americans are pissed off at Arizona for trying to pass a law that appears to encourage racial profiling, yet those same Americans think it is OK to label/discriminate against homosexuality. Yeah, I said it. It makes no sense to me why we think it is wrong to ask someone if they live and work in this country legally, yet it's OK to tell legal citizens they can't get married. I am pretty sure the Constitution guarantees equal rights to all people. The whole Arizona law is another argument for another day, right now I am more concerned for my homosexual friends. Since I am pretty sure most of them are legal and have jobs and don't make me run to the back to get the right WIC milk every day....Sorry I had a moment!!!

So anyway I have rambled on enough about this subject. Weather you agree or disagree with the whole Gay Rights debate, you should at least take a moment to think about this: What if it were you?? o.k. that is all for now, I have a Friday night to prepare for.

The Reverend Putz(only part of her name)

So today was a very hectic day at work. Not only was it inventory day, but we had a surprise visit from our loss prevention department. Ugggghhhhh I despise days like today. I don't know why. I actually work better under pressure and when I have a million things to do. Anyway, I work at a grocery store that among other things has a Western Union station. For those of you who don't know what Western Union is, its a way for people to send and receive money all over the world in a matter of minutes.

About twice a week an elderly woman who I will refer to as Rev. Putz, comes into my store to send money to her son. This woman is in her early to late 60's and is about 5'2 inches tall. She has a short bowl cut and her hair looks like she uses red kool-aid to dye it. She also has no teeth. She always carries around a large dirty, old, shopping bag, which would lead one to believe she is homeless. She is not homeless. She signs her name Reverend J. Putz (not her whole name but part of it and I wish I were kidding about that) She also doesn't speak very well and I normally just smile and nod. Today was different. Here is our conversation as I can remember it.

Me: "welcome ma'am"
Rev. "Can I tell you something? It is too cold in here and people with diseases are going to get sicker."
Me: "We have already notified someone and they are supposed to come and fix our ac very soon. I am sorry its too cold for you."
Rev.: "I am mad about it but I cant get too mad. I learned not to get too mad. I am going to tell you a story now."
Me: (smiling and preparing)
Rev.: "last week I was about to get off the bus and I was not standing very well. Some woman got up to help me and she stole my sweater right off my back. I didn't notice until the bus left."
Me: "that's too bad"
Rev.: "When I got home I was so angry and I called the bus department to complain. They just let that women steal my sweater. I hung up the phone and went outside an there on my front porch was a squirrel. It was such a happy squirrel and it was clapping its hands."
Me: (scared, didn't even want to know what was next.)
Rev.: "That squirrel was the lord. The lord was speaking to me and telling me that I was put here to spread his word and not be mad at the world. So I am not mad at the bus department anymore. I know that squirrel was the lord I just know it"
Me: (shaking my head) "Public transportation, gotta love it."
Rev.: "I want to send money to my son. which form do I use? these look funny and they ask me what country."
Me: "yes ma'am we have new forms that make it easier for the customer. you only write which city and state you don't have to write U.S. if you don't want to."
Rev.: "why is everything foreign? I don't like foreigners. If this country keeps getting over run with foreigners I am leaving. My son better stop asking me for money. The next time he calls I am going to tell him he better not be asking for money. I don't have money. When I get money I am moving to Russia."
Me: "Russia seems pretty foreign to me."
Rev: "its the least foreign of all the foreign places."
Me: "it's $55.00 to send $50.00"
Rev.: "It really is too cold in here."
Me: "OK thank you have a nice day."

 This is what I put up with on a daily basis.............More to come I am sure

A little something I wrote in Sept 2009

So today at work it was just one MOMO after another. My dear friend Joni and I got to talk last night for the first time in months, and she said that I should write when I am stressed out. My loveing Hubby has told me this many times. I am taking both of their advice and writing letters to all the people I wanted to tell off today.................................




Dear Mr. Man-who-bought-the-pumpkin,



It is proper grocery store etiquette to put a divider between your groceries and the groceries belonging to the person in front of you. It is also polite to not be talking on your cell phone in line. It is especially rude to be talking on your cell phone with a blue tooth in your ear. I do not know if you are talking to me or the person you are on the phone with. When you see me trying to ring up your pumpkin, and you say pumpkin over and over again, I do not understand what this means. This leads me to believe you are either a. a mentally challenged person, or b. you dont speak english. I would appreciate it, as would the customers in front of you and behind you, if you would pay attention to what the F you are doing. THIS GOES FOR ANYONE WHO THINKS IT IS O.K. TO TALK ON YOUR CELL PHONE WHILE CHECKING OUT AT ANY REGISTER ANYWHERE!!!!!!!



YOU ARE AN IDIOT,

Niki Leonardis

Acssm







Dear Punk-Ass White Boy (aka Kenny from Can't hardly wait)



Listen, when you bring your baby mama's food stamp card into the store, you should know how much money is on it. I am sorry that you had to call your baby mama and cuss her out over the phone in front of me and another associate. I am sorry that you did not know there was only 11.76 left on your card, and you felt the need to try and buy T-Bone steaks. However, you should be aware that we do not need to know what you are going to do to her when you get home or how pissed off YOU are. We are the ones getting evil looks from the customers who are behind you in line. We are the ones who have to put your food back, when you ultimately decide you dont want any of it. We are the ones who have to answer to cash control people about your VOIDED order. Basically please take your domestic violence-wanna be gang member-living off my tax money-can't support your knocked up ho-ass out of my store!!!



p.s. YOU ARE WHITE!!!!!!! ( I am sorry if this statement offends anyone, but these people are ridiculous)



You are a GRADE A IDIOT,

Niki Leonardis

ACSSM









Dear Man who sends money all over the world via western union,



It is not appropriate to have your test question be "What color panties". This leads me to believe you are a dirty old man. Well your question and your appearance. You smell very bad, you are unshaven, your hair is never brushed, your clothes are dirty, your finger nails are not clean, etc. Also you are not allowed to call me honey, baby, or sweetheart. That is rude, and I feel like I need a shower when you walk away. Also I have to use twice as many sanitizer wipes when you leave, as I do when other dirty people leave.



p.s. you are sending way too many western unions at my store to not be able to afford at least a tooth brush!



YOU ARE A DIRTY IDIOT,

Niki Leonardis

ACSSM







Dear Customer with major Body odor issues,



We sell Deoderant, Soap, ToothBrushes, Toothpaste, Shampoo, and even after shave. If you so choose I can point out some rather nice smelling room spray and air fresheners for you to spray on yourself. Since we have all of these items availble to you, I would appreciate it if you would buy them and use them before you come back into my store. I go through more cans of Lysol than I care to count thanks to you and your smelly friends. I also have to leave and go try not to throw up in the bathroom. It is also very embarassing when the customer behind you says, "What is that smell?", and I have to say "I am not sure."



p.s. If you cant afford Food Lion prices, Wal-mart is up the road!



You are an Oblivious-to-your-own-smell, IDIOT!!!!!



Niki Leonardis







Dear Lady who didnt get a cart because " I only needed a few items",



You managed to carry all of your items through the store. You looked like you were struggling when you came up to the line, but you made it. GO YOU!!!!! However, when I am walking by with a cart and you say "Hey you leave that cart here," I want to push the cart so hard at you that it knocks you over. It is not my fault you thought you were SHERA. I would think that if you could carry all of those items out of bags, you could carry them rather easily once they are in bags with handles.



You are a rude IDIOT

Niki Leonardis

ACSSM





Dear Man with the highly flamable propane tank,



We have nice visible signs on our doors that say "Propane tanks are not allowed in the building." These signs are for your safety as well as the safety of our associates. You wouldnt bring a propane tank inside your house would you???? Or maybe you would since your response, when I asked you nicely to take it outside was, "KABOOM". I don't need your smart ass remarks. I just need you to take your damn death tank outside. I am sure your family would be the first ones to sue Food Lion if your dumb redneck ass was blown to smithereens.



You are a backwoods IDIOT,

Niki Leonardis





Dear JMU girl and roommate, yeah you, the ho-fo-sho type,



When you realize that your grocery bill is almost 200.00 and all you have to say is "It's not like Im paying for it, my dad is.", this makes me want to punch you in the face. I can't believe I actually heard those words come out of someone's mouth. How rude and inconsiderate. I am sure your daddy is rich and he wont even question why you needed 200.00 worth of groceries, but still. Don't you think it would be nice to maybe put back some of your health food. It counter acts with your obvious drunken binges anyway. (let's get realistic, you look like you just rolled off the ho train at 3am. your makeup is a mess and you reak of alcohol.) I am sure most of your attitude is your parents' fault anyway. I am not sure why I feel sorry for people who have obviously done a terrible job at teaching you responsibility and courtesy. o.k. never mind disregard this letter and go on with your pathetic existence..............



p.s. I do heart all of my friends who went to JMU, I am very thankful you guys ruin the stereotypes these skanky biotches put forth.



You are a hungover-skank ass-ho IDIOT,

Niki Leonardis







I saved the best for last.....................





Dear Addicted to Benadryl lady,



We REALLY value your business at Food Lion. You single-handedly keep our HBA lady in employment. I understand you have such bad alergies that you sometimes need four boxes of Benadryl a day. We are always so happy when you come up to the register and feel like you shouldnt have to wait in line. ( We hardly ever have lines at my store since we are not allowed to let there be more than three people in line) You always say " I have a ride waiting." We are not happy when you ask cashiers for money. Remember when I told you I would call the police and have you tresspassed off the property??? Remember how your mom, who really is 80, came in and told me she was embarassed by you and you shouldnt be begging for money?? We are also not happy when customers come in the store and say some lady is outside begging for money. Why do you tell people your car ran out of gas and you need gas money? We all know you don't drive. You take a taxi or you have a friend drive you to the store. Plus you always insist, as I said before, that you have a ride waiting. Why do you tell people you were just diagnosed with cancer and need money for medical bills? We all know your sickness is medicine addiction, tabacco adiction, and perhaps alcoholism. Why in the HELL would you tell people you have a baby at home. You look older than your mother. (Of course, any customer who actually gives you money after that line, is an idiot themselves and they deserve to be swindled.) Yesterday you called our store and begged me not to call the police. you promised repeatedly that you would never do it again.

SO WHY IN THE HELL DID YOU DO IT AGAIN TODAY???????? Why did you basically force a customer to come in and buy you benadryl? That poor customer was convinced she HAD to do it. This makes both of you idiots, however, she actually thought you were sick. I just want you to know, that you will be receiveing zero chances from here on out. If you come in my store again, I will call the police. Period. End of Story. You lose. No more trips to food lion at 7a.m. for you. I just feel sorry for the lady who stocks our medicine aisle. I guess she will now have time to refill our shampoo for the smelly, greasy, unshowered customers. We will no longer have to order 200 boxes of benadryl a week.





p.s. I have never heard you sneeze, or cough or anything like that. I have never even seen you blow your nose when you have to wait in those long lines. your Sinus issues are very internal. you may want to get that checked.



You are the biggest MOMO Idiot,

Niki Leonardis





p.s. I realize the benadryl lady has severe addiction issues, but I stopped feeling sorry for her when she used Cancer and Children as ways to get money. I take those things very seriously!!!!!







Well, I hope you enjoyed this, cause I am a horrible writer. I do feel so much better. this is great. Now I can go take a lavender bath and wait for tomorrow. I know tomorrow will be great.

And then there was a Blog (for now anyway)

My Disclaimer: In no way shape or form is my employer responsible for this blog. The views and opinions in this blog are that of Alexandra Leonardis and no one else.



When I was a little girl my mom bought me many diaries. None of them lasted very long. I would come back to them over the years and read the enteries. I figured out I was not a very interesting child. Plus most of them only contained one or two enteries. I was easily distracted. Not much has changed. Well a lot has changed actually.

Now I am a 29 year old woman who is married and lives with her husband and 2 cats. Liberty and America are my cats. I am sure you will hear a lot about them. I have decided to start my own blog because it's what all the cool kids are doing these days. Plus, on occasion I have something to say that may or may not interest my 3 friends who will ever read this. Be prepared, if you do become a reader. Some of my thoughts are a little outlandish and not really PC.

I should also point out that I am not sure if this idea will last with me. As I said I get easily distracted and may even forget I have this......probably not since my husband is a writer and he is the one who said I should start this up. He thinks I am funny sometimes..................

p.s. I hope you like the term "MoMo", because you will be hearing it a lot