I HAVE A REAL PROBLEM HERE

Back in 1997, my cute mom decided that as a reward for serving a mission, enrolling in school and moving on with my adult life, she would buy me a brand new, big and beautiful one of these: 

Yes, it was wonderful.  But it has been 12 years and that soft new queen has had double occupancy for 10, provided a platform for Saturday morning dance parties and middle of the night nightmares, laptop time, etc.. etc.. unmentionable, etc.. etc...

The point is, the darn thing was worn out. Kaput.  For the last couple of years, we've been waking up with backs all seized up and crooked necks. So, we finally pulled the trigger and bought ourselves a BRAND SPANKIN NEW KING SIZED BED! Halle-fricken-lujah. 

Only now I have a serious problem.  I love my bed. Let me say it again, i LOVE my bed. I love my bed so much that when I see it out of the corner of my eye, no matter the time of day, I have to go to it.  And the big problem is that I can't really get out of it. Mornings are torture. The self-talk it takes to lift myself up out of pure comfort is excruciating.  I need help. 

Faves of 2008

Spending 1 1/2 hours in the car everyday offers wonderful opportunities to think about random and somewhat useless things...such as the development of one's most favorite songs of 2008. December commutes were therefore spent in deep analysis upon the subject and what emerged was a top 10, as well as a small epiphany that I remain now and will always be, a new waver.  Love me or hate me for it. There's nothing better than synthesizer beats and unconventional lyrics. 

So, for what it's worth, I present my Top 10 Songs of 2008 (and a couple of samples from their 80s ancestors). 

10. Creator by Santogold

I learned about this song early in the year from one of my 80s heroes, David Byrne (RadioDavidByrne.com).

 

9. A-Punk by Vampire Weekend

This is a happy song.  I like happy songs. Especially when they remind me of one of my consummate faves, Boys Don't Cry by the Cure. 

8. Human by The Killers

I don't care what anyone says about the Killers, they are the 80s reincarnated (which is pretty much what everyone is saying)...and I love every ounce of it. 

7. Death and All His Friends by Coldplay

I don't care what anyone says about Coldplay, they're a keeper in my book.  I just wish they'd lose the Wiggles-esque costuming. While I don't think this year's release was one of the best, this song was the big exception.

6. Any way you choose to give it by the Black Ghosts

Just listen to any New Order song for the 80s heritage. We did a lot of dishes dancing to this one last year. 

5. The Re-Arranger by Mates of State

I'm a late bloomer with this gem so I have my bro and sis in law to thank for filling me in on all the great stuff that preceded 2008. This one plays loud on Friday night commutes. 

4. Chasing Pavements by Adele

OK. I swear Adele is Alison Moyet's long lost daughter.  If you've never heard of either until now, watch the two clips and tell me they are not related. Anyway, as with all the others, I adore them both. 

3. The greatest man that ever lived by Weezer

Definitely one of my most favorite Weezer songs EVER. Weezer is a favorite Friday evening commute listen for me. I'm sure my traffic partners wonder what the heck is going on in my car. 

 

2. Kids by MGMT

What can be said about these guys? Amazing. Oddly enough, MGMT sort of reminds me of another 80s hero, David Bowie. When I went to youtube to check it out, even the videos were sort of similar. Good stuff.

Last but not least is song that actually came out in 2007, but I didn't discover it until a little later and it kind of became my 2008 anthem.  Such a great album in its entirety but this song was my running partner while I was training for the half marathon so I listened to it a lot. It's funny how sometimes you can hear a song a million times and it never gets old - only better. 

1. Hallelujah by Paramore

I hate TV

I'm not much of a reality show fan but I do enjoy The Biggest Loser.  Tonight began a new season and round of contestants.  This group is definitely the most extreme bunch ever and you can't help but just be so excited for them to succeed.  Usually there are only a few people that I really root for but tonight, I got so excited for each and every player.  The first hour of the two-hour premier was spent sucking the viewer in to all their stories and it totally worked!  Then they did the most cruel thing EVER!  They sent half of them home!  I am so irritated.  I shouldn't be bothered by such a stupid thing but WHY? Why would they do that? Luckily, by the end of the show, they announced that most of them would be able to come back in 30 days, but still...it was outright cruel. It made me feel like I was watching the popular kids invite the fat kid to the big party and then forcing him to do the truffle shuffle on the kitchen table.  Ugh. Such a disappointment. 

Rounding out 2008

I've missed writing about many things over the last 60 days so rather than play catch up, here's the photo montage of the closing out of 2008.

Starting out the advent calendar

Fun with Christmas tree farm props

Gearing up for Main St. Christmas parade in P-town

"Mom - take our picture with this candy cane!" 

Ronan boy being super cute on Christmas morning

Cousin love and gift exchange.  

That's the biggest pink diamond I've ever seen

 

Grand Marshalls of the ugly sweater party on Christmas Eve. 

I'm sorry, what year is it?

Ugly sweater category winners with their ugly mug prizes.

Another year....gone.  The holidays have been great - lots of family, laughs, food and hot cider. We were all off for almost 2 full weeks and after Christmas was over, we pretty much chillaxed every second.  Park visits, bowling, movies, baking, reading...a true staycation.  

Reality sets in Monday morning.  

 2008 was a good year but I'm determined that 2009 will be better.