I don't normally watch American Idol. I remember nothing of the first two seasons; and only a snippet or two from the other two. I like Kelly Clarkson, although I didn't watch one show of that season, and I like the new girl, Carrie Underwood. I know who Clay Aiken is. I don't even know anyone else from the show, except the judges. This one is by far the one I've watched the most of. I don't have any big insight or anything about it, or any theoretical musings or anything.
I like the surprises in the show. I hate the predictibility.
Elliot is intruiging to me; but his vibrato is distracting to me. His chin keep stealing my attention, and I'm not sure why.
Chris is probably my favorite. I like his voice, and his originality.
I like the guy who went home last week, Gedeon. His hair was pretty funky, and he did not sing like a 17 year old.
The white haired guy is a puzzler to me. He so looks older than his 27 years, and he's a bit hyper. Reminds me a bit of Jay Leno.
I guess I'm confused by the show. There are some real talents on this show - like Mandisa - but I'm not sure how far she'll go just because of the voting process. I wish the professionals would choose, I think.
Not sure.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
A Grateful People
I can not get enough of Watermark's new cd, A Grateful People. You can hear all the songs on their website. I knew when I purchased it that it had a lot of music that they have on previous albums, but I did not know that I'd like the new arrangements so much, nor did I know that I would LOVE the new songs (which really aren't new, I'm finding out - but songs recorded from their independant band days). I also am discovering that they had some albums released before their original "Watermark" cd - and I'm scouting ebay frantically for them, but to no avail. They are out of print.
My favorite song on the cd is "Arise and Be Comforted". Here are the lyrics:
Arise & Be Comforted
Arise and be comforted
For the Lord, He is good to the weary
And even the young heart can tire and fall
But He knows them all
For the Lord, He will renew their strength
And they will soar on wings as eagles
And they will run and never grow weary
They will walk and not grow faint
For the Lord, He is good
Lift your eyes to the heavens
For the creator is living in you
Come surrender as you are
And know that you’ll never stray too far
Let His power within you heal your heart
Lift your eyes to spacious skies
Let Him chart your way to flight
Spread your wings and fly
For the Lord, He is good
I think the reason that this song is striking home so directly is that it has been a weary kind of week. Melanie has been struggling with illness, I have been struggling with being down and anti-motivation in general. I always forget until I'm under the 8ball that I have a refuge, and a reason to look up. I've been singing this a lot recently, and it's been a real encouragement to me.
I discovered in my research of Watermark this week that this is their last album as Watermark; they're going to take a break and persue other things - like raising their children, publishing some things, and recording other things. I'm dissapointed that we won't have that Watermark sound, but excited about what things may come.
Have the entire day off today; need to go do some housework, and then work on some orders of service for upcoming Sundays. I'm looking forward to our master rehearsal, to learn and teach some new music. That will be great. Only a week to prep for that, so I need to get on the ball. Hopefully we can get the keyboard home tonight so that I can arrange some new things.
My favorite song on the cd is "Arise and Be Comforted". Here are the lyrics:
Arise & Be Comforted
Arise and be comforted
For the Lord, He is good to the weary
And even the young heart can tire and fall
But He knows them all
For the Lord, He will renew their strength
And they will soar on wings as eagles
And they will run and never grow weary
They will walk and not grow faint
For the Lord, He is good
Lift your eyes to the heavens
For the creator is living in you
Come surrender as you are
And know that you’ll never stray too far
Let His power within you heal your heart
Lift your eyes to spacious skies
Let Him chart your way to flight
Spread your wings and fly
For the Lord, He is good
I think the reason that this song is striking home so directly is that it has been a weary kind of week. Melanie has been struggling with illness, I have been struggling with being down and anti-motivation in general. I always forget until I'm under the 8ball that I have a refuge, and a reason to look up. I've been singing this a lot recently, and it's been a real encouragement to me.
I discovered in my research of Watermark this week that this is their last album as Watermark; they're going to take a break and persue other things - like raising their children, publishing some things, and recording other things. I'm dissapointed that we won't have that Watermark sound, but excited about what things may come.
Have the entire day off today; need to go do some housework, and then work on some orders of service for upcoming Sundays. I'm looking forward to our master rehearsal, to learn and teach some new music. That will be great. Only a week to prep for that, so I need to get on the ball. Hopefully we can get the keyboard home tonight so that I can arrange some new things.
Saturday, March 18, 2006
Amazing Point of View
I think I'm just discovering how amazing a kids' point of view is. It's sure a heck of a lot healthier than mine in a lot of ways.
For instance: projectile vomit.
I find this disgusting, embarassing, and something I'd like to avoid at all costs, period.
My daughter finds it nasty, but more of an inconvenience than anything else. It just interrupts her scheduled programming. Her current favorite story is telling how she "frew up" in a potted tree at the mall.
She then proceeded to throw up in a cup in the car.
I am just thankful that we have a little one who knows - and verbalizes - that she is going to chuck, and gives me enough warning to get prepared for the big event.
Unfortunetely, all this barf talk has a purpose. We've been at it (along with other assorted stomach maladies) for 4 solid days. Along with high fever, and no fluid intake, we now have dehydration issues. Tonight, I had to administer a ::shudder: suppository to a 2 year old. Here is another situation where our perspectives are totally different. All I could do is clench muscles, and try to talk in my nice, quiet "mommy" voice. Her response: "Wow, Mommy! that looks like a crayon!" Even after it had been incerted, which she just said felt "funny", she wanted to know if she could color with the crayon, and when it would come back out.
Somedays I wish I still had that perspective.
Anyway, the fever is way down - finally. Now to get some liquids to stay in her little body. She's lost 5 lbs in the last 4 days, and she really didn't have them to spare. Hopefully she's starting to feel a little bit better, and will venture into the realm of food and liquid tomorrow.
She also decided today that she really likes my Sony Bean mp3 player. Of course, it helped that it had Laurie Berkner songs on it, but still - she thinks its "cooo, mommy!" (there is no "l" at the end of "cool"). She says that I need to get different earphones though, because she'd like a pink pair better.
Good grief.
My doctor has prescribed Ambien sleeping meds. I took my first pill last night, and don't remember a darn thing. Hubby got up with Mel a few times and I know that was a first - and I didn't hear a peep! I liked the rest though (first time in over a week) and I didn't feel fuzzy afterwards. Supposed to be non-habit forming. I'm thinking this might be saving my sanity. The trick will be using it when Bri is around so that someone will be able to hear Mel and we won't miss a trick.
The Backyardigans are still a current favorite/obsession in our household. I find myself singing the songs at odd times in the morning/noon/night - and even Melanie will currently break into song. The worst part of it is that the songs wake me up in the middle of the night. I find myself singing, "Stomp, stomp, stomp I'm a Yeti!" and not being able to relax. I figured I'd read a book, or series of books, to get my mind off of the music and to let go.
So last night, I dream that Harry Potter is singing the "Hold On Tight" song from the Viking episode of the Backyardigans. Didn't accomplish a thing except make it more strange.
I have a newcomers reception after church tomorrow that we were going to attend as a family, as I'm a member of the staff. Brian and Mel are going to stay home now though, as her fever is still there, and we haven't been a day with out some form of stomach rejection. I really hope she's feeling better, and that they can kind of get back into the norm of things. The doc told us today to try to get 4 cups of fluid down her little body. That was laughable today - but we're hoping for a better day tomorrow!
For instance: projectile vomit.
I find this disgusting, embarassing, and something I'd like to avoid at all costs, period.
My daughter finds it nasty, but more of an inconvenience than anything else. It just interrupts her scheduled programming. Her current favorite story is telling how she "frew up" in a potted tree at the mall.
She then proceeded to throw up in a cup in the car.
I am just thankful that we have a little one who knows - and verbalizes - that she is going to chuck, and gives me enough warning to get prepared for the big event.
Unfortunetely, all this barf talk has a purpose. We've been at it (along with other assorted stomach maladies) for 4 solid days. Along with high fever, and no fluid intake, we now have dehydration issues. Tonight, I had to administer a ::shudder: suppository to a 2 year old. Here is another situation where our perspectives are totally different. All I could do is clench muscles, and try to talk in my nice, quiet "mommy" voice. Her response: "Wow, Mommy! that looks like a crayon!" Even after it had been incerted, which she just said felt "funny", she wanted to know if she could color with the crayon, and when it would come back out.
Somedays I wish I still had that perspective.
Anyway, the fever is way down - finally. Now to get some liquids to stay in her little body. She's lost 5 lbs in the last 4 days, and she really didn't have them to spare. Hopefully she's starting to feel a little bit better, and will venture into the realm of food and liquid tomorrow.
She also decided today that she really likes my Sony Bean mp3 player. Of course, it helped that it had Laurie Berkner songs on it, but still - she thinks its "cooo, mommy!" (there is no "l" at the end of "cool"). She says that I need to get different earphones though, because she'd like a pink pair better.
Good grief.
My doctor has prescribed Ambien sleeping meds. I took my first pill last night, and don't remember a darn thing. Hubby got up with Mel a few times and I know that was a first - and I didn't hear a peep! I liked the rest though (first time in over a week) and I didn't feel fuzzy afterwards. Supposed to be non-habit forming. I'm thinking this might be saving my sanity. The trick will be using it when Bri is around so that someone will be able to hear Mel and we won't miss a trick.
The Backyardigans are still a current favorite/obsession in our household. I find myself singing the songs at odd times in the morning/noon/night - and even Melanie will currently break into song. The worst part of it is that the songs wake me up in the middle of the night. I find myself singing, "Stomp, stomp, stomp I'm a Yeti!" and not being able to relax. I figured I'd read a book, or series of books, to get my mind off of the music and to let go.
So last night, I dream that Harry Potter is singing the "Hold On Tight" song from the Viking episode of the Backyardigans. Didn't accomplish a thing except make it more strange.
I have a newcomers reception after church tomorrow that we were going to attend as a family, as I'm a member of the staff. Brian and Mel are going to stay home now though, as her fever is still there, and we haven't been a day with out some form of stomach rejection. I really hope she's feeling better, and that they can kind of get back into the norm of things. The doc told us today to try to get 4 cups of fluid down her little body. That was laughable today - but we're hoping for a better day tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Discovering the Backyardigans, and other kid stuff
I'm a new mom. Only 4 months now. Well, 4 months tomorrow. We adopted a 2 year old little girl. Talk about a crash course in parenting.
One of the things I was WAY out of date on from my babysitting and nannying days was kids shows. I remember Teletubbies (big yuck!), and Mr. Rogers (that's back from when I was kid). I vaguely remember Bob the Builder videos from when I was a nanny. I knew of Dora the Explorer, and Blue's Clues - and actually, secretly, really enjoyed Blues Clues, and Steve, even though he's cheesy. Didn't really dig Dora - but then again, I had never watched an entire episode, either.
Well, now that we are getting into a routine with the wee one, it's amazing how many shows are available for this age group. Some are just a waste of good time. And some are, well, really enjoyable!! We discovered Jack's Big Music Show, and his musical guest, Laurie Berkner. Those are a big hit in this household.
But by far our favorite is the Backyardigans.
I saw their pictures somewhere - probably when we were watching Dora or Blue's Clues (of which Joe is there now, and I'm finally getting used to), and I thought, "Man, these little guys are strange looking...not sure if we're going to get into that." Then one day, it came on while we were doing something else, and the music caught me right away. Mel was transfixed - and was dancing along and singing the songs right away. It was the most interactive she has ever been with a show, and I have to admit - I'm secretly addicted to it. We rarely miss it, and now are waiting with baited breath for a new episode to air on Friday.
I'm kind of glad that I didn't discover these guys earlier, because from what I understand, just in the last few months have you been able to find things such as cd's and dvd's - which we now own all that are available. I would have been half crazy trying to discover how to get them for us to watch at other times than at 10:30 on weekday mornings.
I find myself singing the songs at the strangest times, and quoting dialog. The best thing is listening to Mel sing it though. "Into the Thick of It" is one of my favorite songs (hence all the titles and screennames, etc), and Mel sings it "I'm gonna tickle bit" - too, too funny!!
One of the biggest things I'd like to keep up with here is to remember the every day things that happen in our house. I'm not doing a good job at keeping up with that stuff - and timing is flying by so quickly! I don't want to not be able to remember them.
So, we'll see.
One of the things I was WAY out of date on from my babysitting and nannying days was kids shows. I remember Teletubbies (big yuck!), and Mr. Rogers (that's back from when I was kid). I vaguely remember Bob the Builder videos from when I was a nanny. I knew of Dora the Explorer, and Blue's Clues - and actually, secretly, really enjoyed Blues Clues, and Steve, even though he's cheesy. Didn't really dig Dora - but then again, I had never watched an entire episode, either.
Well, now that we are getting into a routine with the wee one, it's amazing how many shows are available for this age group. Some are just a waste of good time. And some are, well, really enjoyable!! We discovered Jack's Big Music Show, and his musical guest, Laurie Berkner. Those are a big hit in this household.
But by far our favorite is the Backyardigans.
I saw their pictures somewhere - probably when we were watching Dora or Blue's Clues (of which Joe is there now, and I'm finally getting used to), and I thought, "Man, these little guys are strange looking...not sure if we're going to get into that." Then one day, it came on while we were doing something else, and the music caught me right away. Mel was transfixed - and was dancing along and singing the songs right away. It was the most interactive she has ever been with a show, and I have to admit - I'm secretly addicted to it. We rarely miss it, and now are waiting with baited breath for a new episode to air on Friday.
I'm kind of glad that I didn't discover these guys earlier, because from what I understand, just in the last few months have you been able to find things such as cd's and dvd's - which we now own all that are available. I would have been half crazy trying to discover how to get them for us to watch at other times than at 10:30 on weekday mornings.
I find myself singing the songs at the strangest times, and quoting dialog. The best thing is listening to Mel sing it though. "Into the Thick of It" is one of my favorite songs (hence all the titles and screennames, etc), and Mel sings it "I'm gonna tickle bit" - too, too funny!!
One of the biggest things I'd like to keep up with here is to remember the every day things that happen in our house. I'm not doing a good job at keeping up with that stuff - and timing is flying by so quickly! I don't want to not be able to remember them.
So, we'll see.
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