Lyric of the Week

"You don't choose the memories that stay with you all your life
You think you do, but they choose you, and then they hold on tight"

No offense other birthdays, but 29 was pretty great. Despite the sense of dread I felt leading up to entering the last year of my young adult life, things turned out okay.

Never before do I remember Breck planning ahead so far; going to so much effort; and getting so excited to give me a gift. I guess twenty-three was pretty great too -- my 'golden birthday' when I turned 23 on the 23rd -- when Breck gave me 1 gift each day of April (although I don't remember exactly what any of those 23 gifts were).

Yep, I am truly blessed. Even though I'm sure Breck would describe me as her pain-causer, she is my painkiller. 

So I guess being twenty-nine is not so bad after all. It's thirty I have to worry about...  

Artist: Jim Bianco

Song: Painkiller

Album: Sing (2008) 

P.S. I want to learn this song on the piano, but can't find the sheet music. Anyone? 

Lyric of the Week

With my upcoming 29th birthday tomorrow I can feel the big 3-0 looming not too far in the future.

I feel old.

So it brought a smile to my face the other day when this MxPx song came blasting through my ear buds. Admittedly I don't listen to this type of music very often anymore as my musical tastes have mellowed a bit, so I would typically skip to the next track; but for whatever reason I let it play through this time.

I'm glad I did.

This song reminds me of simpler days. Days with few worries. Days when I only cared about listening to music and trying to impress girls. Now that I think about it, maybe things aren't so different today after all (although my target audience of girls has now been reduced to a limited few).

"Can I call you sweetheart, or even baby doll?
If I had your number, you'd be getting a phone call
Can I leave you a message on your machine?
Letting you know that you're the bomb and you blew up on me

Are you anxious to see me after your next class?
Do you care when I tell you; step around that broken glass?

Can I see you after you get out of school?
I won't even mind it if you treat me cruel
Take a ride on my Vespa; I'll take you home
I'll climb up to your window and read you a poem

Are you anxious to see me after your next class?
Do you care when I tell you; step around that broken glass?

I know that you beleive in the one true God above
And that's why you're waiting for your one and only love
Do your feet hurt? Did you fall from heaven?
'Cause you been running through my mind all day
My mind don't mind

I don't know what to say or do
I can't eat when I'm with you
Goodnight sweetheart I gotta go
And you won't come to my next show?"

Artist: MxPx
Song: Do Your Feet Hurt?
Album: Life In General (1996)

Lyric of the Week

Because things have seemed out-of-sorts lately and not what I had anticipated:

"Maybe it's up with the stars

Maybe it's under the sea

Maybe it's not very far

Maybe this is how it's supposed to be

This is how it's supposed to be

Maybe it's trapped in a jar

Something we've already seen

Maybe it's nowhere at all

Maybe this is how it's supposed to be

This is how it's supposed to be

Looking forward as we rewind

Looking back is a trap sometimes

Being here is so easy to do

If you want to"

Artist: Jack Johnson
Song: Supposed To Be
Album: Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies (2006)

From Boy to Man (almost)

As I opened the door and we were walking into the garage our conversation went something like this:

Aiden (age 6): So, this is your garage?

Preston (age 28): Yup

A: So, where's your chainsaw?

P: Um, I don't have one.

A: Well why not?

P: I guess I've never needed one

A: Oh, well I think you need to go buy one.

It became clear to me tonight after spending a few hours with a six-year-old boy that I've forgotten what it's like to be a six-year-old boy.
I've forgotten what it's like to be covered in dirt and not care; to ask questions about guy stuff like "which one's the strongest?"; "who can run the fastest?"; "which color is the best?"; "how much does that weigh?"; "is that the most expensive?"; and "which one is the biggest?"
I've forgotten what it's like to climb on a pile of dirt just because it's there; or to want to "build something" just because it feels like a manly thing to do.
I've forgotten what it's like to have the attention span of, well...a 6-year-old boy.

I don't know how it happened, but it appears that I've officially turned from a boy to a man; if I just get myself a chainsaw, that is.

Lyric of the Week

"If you don't have someone to do it with it's not worth doing"

I've had this simple lyric running through my head the last few weeks as I continue to more fully understand the fact that I wouldn't/couldn't do the things I do daily without the loving support of my beautiful wife (that's supposed to be a compliment, by the way).

Then, earlier this week, I came across some writings by Napoleon Hill that helped me clarify in my mind exactly what I was thinking.  Napoleon Hill, according to Wikipedia "was an American author who was one of the earliest producers of the modern genre of personal-success literature. He is widely considered to be one of the great writers on success. His most famous work, Think and Grow Rich, is one of the best-selling books of all time."  Hill coined the term "Master Mind"  and in his book The Law of Success defines the Master Mind as “a mind that is developed through the harmonious co-operation of two or more people who ally themselves for the purpose of accomplishing any given task.”  Hill argues that a master mind can be formed between any two individuals but it has its greatest power when developed between and man & a woman (particularly if they are married):

"A man and wife may live together, accumulate a fair sized or even greater fortune, rear and educate a family, without the bond of harmony which is essential for the development of a Master Mind. But all of these alliances might be made more powerful and effective if based upon a foundation of perfect harmony, thus permitting the development of a supplemental power known as the Master Mind.
Plain co-operative effort produces power; there can be no doubt about this; but cooperative effort that is based upon complete harmony of purpose develops super-power.”

Admittedly Breck and I don't always exactly see eye-to-eye on things, but ultimately I believe we have "harmony of purpose" in how we run our household and raise our beautiful little girl.

Note to self: I'm so lucky to be where I am doing what I'm doing with the people I love.

The second line of the chorus follows with:           

"To all my friends, it's not the end. The earth has not swallowed me yet"

Artist: 311
Song: Freak Out
Album: Music (1994)

Lyric of the Week

The answer is "no" I couldn't have been anyone other than who I am or, as I posted here, chosen any other career path than I did.

"Could I have been
A parking lot attendant
Could I have been
A millionaire in Bel Air
Could I have been Lost somewhere in Paris
Could I have been
Your little brother
Could I have been
Anyone other than me
Anyone

He stands touching his hair his shoes untied
Tongue gaping stare
Could I have been a magnet for money?
Could I have been anyone other than me?

Twenty [eight] and so tired of life
Such a shame to throw it all away
The images grow darker still
Could I have been anyone other than me? Then I

Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

I am who I am who I am who am I
Requesting some enlightenment
Could I have been anyone other than me?

Sing and dance I'll play for you tonight
And thrill at it all
Dark clouds may hang on me sometimes
But I'll work it out then I

Look up at the sky
My mouth is open wide, lick and taste
What's the use in worrying, what's the use in hurrying
Turn, turn we almost become dizzy

Falling out of a world of lies
Could I have been dancing nancy
Could I have been anyone other than me?"

Artist: Dave Matthews Band
Song: Dancing Nancies
Album: Under the Table and Dreaming (1994)

Infecting Positivity

Today what I do should be meaningful
Today what I do needs to matter
Today doesn’t have to be something huge
Just take what's good & make it better

I want to be a person with purpose
A thing that produces good results
Today I want to feel all of these things
Instead I just want to hurl insults

Don't Believe the Hype

We got cocky!

Though we were always cautious when saying it, Breck and I continually boasted to anyone who'd listen about how well-behaved our beautiful baby Skye was.

In the back of our minds I think we both knew it couldn't last; but we held out hope until...

It came from out of nowhere.

A week full of tantrums and tears. Completely unprepared we were faced with inconsolable & uncontrollable, seemingly out of nowhere and for no apparent reason whining, crying, kicking and screaming. It appeared as though our perfect little 16-month-old child was having a premature case of the terrible-twos.

Though things have simmered down over the last few days I was still worried that Skye's "Day of Dad" today was potentially going to be miserable for both of us.
(Disclaimer: It wasn't technically an entire day as I did go to work; but "Morning & Evening with Father" doesn't quite have the same ring to it)
Our morning routine was fairly typical as Skye is used to Dad waking her up and his futile attempts at picking out matching clothes and brushing her hair. This morning, however, we cruised the 1/2 mile to school by bike instead of our usual route by foot.
 
It is usually Breck who pick's Skye up from her daycare so I was anxious that when Dad showed up she'd be less than thrilled. To my delight her eyes lit up as I walked in to the room a she came beaming toward me as I scooped her up and headed home for the evening.
 
My missing Skye had returned.
 
Our evening was filled with giggles and smiles as we rode our bike, walked to the store, played with the dogs, ate dinner, chased each other around the house, watched a tv show together, played with balloons, took a bath, read some books, ate a bedtime snack, and laid down in bed without so much as a squirm, wiggle, or peep.

Uh oh, maybe I shouldn't have written this; I might have just jinxed it... 

 

Lyric of the Week

I'm stressed out. 

I (& many of those around me daily) have been in panic mode this last week as I speculate about my uncertain future.

These reassuring words help (sort of):

"It's not the end of the world. Oh no, it's not even the end of the day"

So while I was feeling optimistic about my extra time at home earlier this week (I finally trimmed our overgrown backyard tree so hopefully our poor garden can get some rays of sun this year) the last couple days of late nights (at work, ironically) and crappy weather have brought me back down.



Artist: Beady Eye
Song: The Beat Goes On
Album: Different Gear, Still Speeding (2011)

Lyric of the Week

I sometimes complain that I'm always working to much.  Suddenly this week I was told I can't work so much.  Is that a good thing? We'll see...

"...When they've tortured and scared you for twenty odd years. Then they expect you to pick a career. When you can't really function you're so full of fear. A working class hero is something to be...

There's room at the top they are telling you still. But first you must learn how to smile as you kill. If you want to be like the folks on the hill. A working class hero is something to be..."

Artist: John Lennon
Song: Working Class Hero
Album: John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band (1970)

Lyric(s) of the Week

The new iPad2 is going on sale today. As much as I think I need it, I know that I don't. As John Mayer says:

"How come everything I think I need always come with batteries?"

This topic of wants versus needs has been on my mind a lot lately as I've been trying to strip away a lot of the unnecessary excess in my life. It was fitting, then, that while listening to music on my way to work one day this song sung by Jeff Buckley came through my earbuds:

"How many times have you heard someone say: 'If I had money I would do things my way?'  But little they know that it's so hard to find one rich man in ten with a satisfied mind.

Money can't buy back all your youth when you're old; a friend when you're lonely; or peace to your soul.  The wealthiest person is a pauper at times.  Compared to the man with a satisfied mind.

When my life is over and my time has run out; my friends and my loved ones I will leave there's no doubt.  But one thing's for certain when it comes my time, I'll leave this old world with a satisfied mind."

Artist: Jeff Buckley (originally sung by Porter Wagoner in 1956) written by Joe Hayes & Jack Rhodes
Song: Satisfied Mind
Album: Sketches (For My Sweetheart the Drunk) - 1998



Artist: John Mayer
Song: Something's Missing
Album: Heavier Things (2003)

 

Lyric of the Week

Although many things out of my control seem to be happening around me lately I'm continually reminding myself that if I want my life to follow the path I desire I have make a plan and steer the ship.

"Now you finally know that you control where you go. You can steer."  

Artist: Missy Higgins
Song: Steer
Album: On A Clear Night (2007)

What's My Excuse?

Girls can blame sudden emotional outbursts or out-of-nowhere crying on "that time of the month" or pregnancy. I saw this commercial on tv the other day and a immediately had tears in my eyes. What's my excuse?

Luke Sky(e)walker or is it Skye Lukewalker?

Her arms outstretched like Frankenstein
Determined; no sign fear
One unsteady foot in from of another
As parents' stand by and cheer
Skye can fly -- or so it seems
As she beams with smiles so proud
With those tiny toes now she goes
Wherever she's allowed
New freedom has come and soon she'll run
And jump, and dance, and play
The world is new and as you explore
Mom & Dad are never far away

Lyric of the Week

I've been a little bit depressed lately. I'll be turning 29 in a couple of months so the big 3-0 is quickly approaching. I always planned to be a millionaire by the time I turned 30. I guess "planned" is not the correct word to use here. I hoped to have a million dollars in the bank by now. There was no actual planning involved and I suppose that is the problem. I've dubbed 2011 as "The Year of Attacking Debt" because lets face it 

"I still owe money, to the money, to the money I owe"

In my attempt to be successful and realistic in this venture I'm accepting that my mortgage and student loans are going nowhere anytime soon. They'll be hanging over my head for many years to come (although I've got news for you Bank of America, I have no intention of living in my current home for 29 more years so you'll hopefully get your money back much sooner than the year 2040). So while I continue to pay the minimum payments on my student loans and mortgage for the time being I've got ambitions to "attack" some credit card and personal loan debt in 2011 and get some of those many monkeys off my back.

Now where to begin?

"Hey boss, can I get a raise...?"



Artist: The National
Song: Bloodbuzz Ohio
Album: High Violet (2010)

I Am Me

I can't even explain how accurately this architect's description of himself matches my own thoughts and traits exactly. Guess that's affirmation that I'm on the correct career path :)

Lyric of the Week

In the spirit of the upcoming holiday I wanted to find some words that would help me articulate my love to my Valentine. There are obviously countless songs and lyrics out there written with love as their inspiration. Thus, there are any number songs I could have picked to adequately express my feelings but I felt that these few lines summed it up with right amount of thoughtfulness and humor and describe almost perfectly the way I feel about Breck: 

“Someone who’ll make me laugh – someone to be my better half – keep me warm under the sack – share with me my midnight snack”

Artist: Hayden
Song: Bad As They Seem
Album: Everything I Long For (1996)

Lyric of the Week

I had a couple other lyrics in mind that I was going to highlight this week but this morning on my way to work I heard this tune by Nada Surf (yes that Nada Surf) and for whatever reason it resonated with me. Not that I have any specific weight I feel I'm carrying around at the moment, but it just felt like a good thing to remember next time I'm feeling weighed down:

"Maybe this weight was a gift. Like I had to see what I could lift"

Artist: Nada Surf
Song: Do It Again
Album: The Weight Is a Gift (2005)

Also see 1 Corinthians 10:13

I [heart] Hearts

It started a few days ago while browsing through a box of saved items of Breck's that Colleen had been storing at her house. There was our wedding announcement/invite from our nuptials way back in 2002. Breck was examining its detail and remembering how she had hand-tied each ribbon on the cards. She also noticed a detail she hadn't remembered being there before (all the details seemed new to me as I had no interest or opinion at the time what the announcements looked like & I don't think I ever took more than 1/2 second to really look at them; if it didn't have our names on it I probably wouldn't have been able to pick it out of a lineup). On the background of the card was written LOVE; or more accurately

L O

YE 

Neither of us had remembered that the "V" was written with a heart (how cute!)

Since then it seems I've been seeing this display of love everywhere I look. It's not even February yet and already I'm being inundated with all things Valentine's Day. Every bit of advertising is colored with pink and red and covered in hearts. The word LOVE is plastered all over everything. Yesterday Breck and I were comparing the LYVE pattern she just sewed on a shirt for Skye versus the LOYE displayed on a Krispy Kreme ad I was drooling over (actually the "O" was a donut and the "V" was a heart-shaped cookie).

 
I've never been hesitant to vocalize my dislike (okay maybe not 'dislike'...how 'bout 'indifference') for this frilly holiday. I claim to loathe the cheesy Valentine card or the silly love song yet every year I find myself sitting down to write my own version of a sappy love poem.  Why do I do this? They all tend to sound somewhat similar because really how many different ways can you say 'I love you'?
 
As this LOVEly season approaches I begin to anticipate what words I could write to my Valentine to express my feelings. I'm continually interested and amazed by song lyrics and occasionally write them down for future reference or use but they are disorganized, sporadic, and scattered in various places. I want to start a habit of writing down a song lyric at least once a week (its still January, so not too late to start a New Year's Resolution, right?) to post here so that I can remember and reference them later.  Here's one I came across the other day:
 

"Some people wanna fill the whole world with silly love songs. And what's wrong with that?"

- 'Silly Love Songs' by Paul McCartney

 
This year, same as every year, I've got no money to buy her jewelry. We have no time to take a romantic vacation (and who takes romantic vacations after they have kids, anyway?). I may give her a gift as suggested in a PSA I saw yesterday: "Give the one you love something special this year for Valentine's Day: check yourself for testicular cancer". But who am I kidding, that's a gift for me as much as anyone else:) So although I feel that they may have lost some of their emphasis and charm over the years and are getting a bit repetitive (did I already say that?), I will continue to write Breck silly love poems every year (I wish I could write music...maybe some day) because I know she loves them. And what's wrong with that?

Happy 1st Birthday Skye

November Sky
When you ask me why I do the things I do
Its so is easy, it’s because of you
Things have never been the same
Since that first second I said your name
If you want to know why
It’s my November sky

When you look up & see the clouds around
You’ll remember where my heart is found
Truer words I couldn’t say
Yesterday, tomorrow, or today
If there’s a reason why
It’s my November sky

When you see the look that is in my eyes
You’ll know its only truth, there are no lies
Each time the smile on your face
Takes me to a better place
There’s no question why
It’s my November sky