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Rest in Peace Jimmy

Rest in peace Jimmy Buffett. Waking up to the news that one of my favorites, an absolute icon, had passed was so sad. I’ve been lucky to see Jimmy Buffett three times since living in South Florida. There has never been roadtrip in our family without Jimmy Buffett as the soundtrack. In fact, I’m not sure I know anybody that can go to the Florida Keys and not listen to Jimmy.

The last time we saw Jimmy was when he toured with the Eagles in 2018. Jimmy always put on a great show and I was excited to share it with the boys. My boys really enjoyed the show although I think they may have been equally entertained by my former coworkers at our tailgate, which is fair. They are pretty awesome. Jimmy Buffett will live forever through the music and empire he created. I could share Margaritaville, but instead I’ll share my favorite Buffett song, which is Pencil Thin Mustache.

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Playlist

In my mind, the perfect playlist is essential for every occasion. Particularly, I love my workout playlists. It’s another tool in the chest that helps me stick to my routine and keep my pace if I’m running. My go to music for my running playlist has been Metallica, The Offspring, Green Day, God Smack and Bush. The opening rif to For Whom The Bell Tolls is perfect pushing through a difficult run. I love it!

When I strength train there’s still plenty of Metallica and company, but it’s a broader playlist. Lately, I’ve been listening to a 90’s playlist that Apple Music built based on our music library. It’s a great collection of music albeit not all of the songs work well for working out. I don’t know about you, but REM’s Everybody Hurts isn’t my favorite hype song. Obviously I love the song, but it doesn’t work in the gym.

The largest collection music on my phone is my hockey playlist. After ten years of playing music at the boys’ hockey games, I’ve got over 300 songs on there. Clearly, there’s a lot of overlap between my lists, but the hockey one is quite diverse. I got everything from the Beatles to Britney Spears and Rammstein to Daddy Yankee. Anyway, music makes my world go round. It brings joy and color to life and keeps me focused on my runs, which is not an easy feat. What’s your go to pump up song? Let me know in the comments.

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Missing Skill

Today’s bloganury prompt is all about the missing skill you wish you had. I haven’t participated bloganury yet, but with nothing else compelling to write here I am. The one missing skill I wish I had was singing. I cannot carry a tune to save my life and I love singing. In fact, I’m quite jealous of all the amazing singers in my life. This is also why I was in band and not choir.

So I was finally able to workout today. I’ve taken the past couple of days off because I jacked my knee up. Consequently, I substituted body weight exercises for the plyometric exercises. While I was able to get through the workout, my knee didn’t tolerate it very well. It’s swollen and a bit weak. I’m probably gonna need to wear a knee brace when I run and workout. Obviously, I have my fingers crossed hoping I can run tomorrow. If my knee doesn’t tolerate it, I’ll pivot to walking immediately.

Since the boys are back in school, it’s back to the status quo during the day. My door is always open to my sales assistant, who never judge me for my missing skill. Even if I’m singing Metallica poorly at the top of my lungs. They probably think I’m trying to speak their language. Nonetheless, thank god for dogs that love us unconditionally.

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Big Weekend

It was a big weekend for us with Goalielocks turning 18 yesterday. I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. Honestly, it feels like I was just 18. Now my second child is an adult and I’m at a loss for where time has gone. Does one blink and their kids suddenly become adults? I’m barely an adult myself.

Before we celebrated his birthday, the Hubby and I spent night down at the Hard Rock having fun and watching Metallica. We had an amazing evening with our besties John and Hanh. We love them so much. They’re not just our friends, but our family. Anyway, Metallica has long been a bucket list concert for me, so this was a special evening. Unsurprisingly, they lived up the the hype. They are absolutely incredible live. The setlist was great. I loved that they played Sad But True, Nothing Else Matters and Enter Sandman. I will be seeing them live again.


We also got to spend the night in the Guitar Hotel, which was also awesome. The bed was incredibly comfortable. Obviously, we didn’t spend too much time there, but it was a nice space. Before heading down to the concert, we definitely took a picture of the room number. This way we wouldn’t forget it in event we over did the free drinks in the casino. For a concert, Hard Rock Live is a great venue. There are several restaurants and bars in close proximity, which makes celebrating before and after concerts quite easy.

We celebrated Goalielocks birthday today. The Hubby grilled some ribs and potatoes and onions. We got him a cookie cake. Meanwhile, I made a rustic French tart because it’s yummy. We couldn’t celebrate yesterday because the Mayor’s hockey games and Homecoming. Last night was the first and last Homecoming for Goalielocks. Hard to believe he’s 18 and a senior in high school. I’m still waiting on pictures from the event, but hopefully I’ll have some to share with you all soon. It’s been a great big weekend. Hopefully, our week is just a great. Oh wait a second, Goalielocks just sent me some pictures!

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Back to Back

Wow, it feels like forever since I’ve actually had the time to post on back to back days.  We had a busy day of hockey and hockey related activities.  The morning started with the Mayor’s team fundraising at a Publix in Coconut Creek.  Thanks to the store’s generous patrons, his squad raised over $800.  Fortunately, he and the hubby were back in time to leave right way for Goalielock’s games.

Goalielock’s and his squad split the day dropping the first contest to the Hawks, but winning their second against the Toros.  I had a blast in the box with Tonya and DB during the first game.  Reunited and it felt so good!  Unfortunately, during he warmups for game two Goalielock’s left leg slid out on him and he pulled his groin.  Long story short, I walked out to hit the restroom pre-game and when I came back he was on the bench in a different jersey.  It only took me almost the entire first period to figure it out.  Needless to say, Goalielocks has been on solid regimen of ice for 20 and heat for 20 since he got home.

I’ve gotta give a shout to fellow hockey mom D. Green for the amazing ribbon she gave me.  I freaking love it.  It makes me wonder how the crafty gene skipped me entirely.  Truly, I have not one crafty bone in my body.  When I try to be crafty, it ends up looking like something you’d see on Netflix’s Nailed It. (love that show!) Nonetheless, since I don’t possess that skillset at all, I’m in awe of those who do it so well.

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Between Goalielock’s game, the Mayor had a four hour clinic.  We sent Goalielock’s to John’s house with the team, while we drove to Palm Beach to drop him off.   After dropping him off, we headed over to meet the team for some grub.  As for my Mayor, he’s completely exhausted after the craziness of his day.   It’s not often that he puts himself to bed this early!  Speaking of which, it’s time for me to head off  to practice my Swedish, read a bit and head to bed.

P.S.  Don’t forget to join Team Deb Force Five!

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Bewildered

You ever read something or hear something on the news that leaves you feeling completely bewildered?  This was me as I listened to the radio announcers discuss the Spice Girls forthcoming reunion/tour.  To be honest, I was definitely a Spice Girls fan when they first came out.  I had never heard of them until my French pen pal (now my French sister) sent me a mix tape that included the Spice Girls and Take That.  The year was 1997 and my mind was blown!

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While liking the Spice Girls in 1997 doesn’t make for bewilderment, their contract agreements for the forthcoming reunion/tour epitomize it.  Apparently, they’re each getting $10 million for this reunion.  Posh had been the hold out, but agree to the reunion upon assurances she wouldn’t have to sing.  Yep, there’s the where I got bewildered.  A pop star reuniting with her band under the condition she doesn’t have to sing.  It makes perfect sense to me….

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In other music news, some of the greatest performers are hanging up their touring hat this year.  Elton John, Neil Diamond, Paul Simon, and Ozzy Osborne are embarking of their farewell tours this year.  Sadly Neil Diamond’s, due to Parkinson’s, touring days are already over.  Fortunately, Elton and Ozzy will be making their way through Florida on their tours.  In contrast, if i want to see Paul Simon, I’ll have to fly up to Minny.  It’s an end of an era for sure.

If we’re able to make it to Ozzy this April, it will cap off an awesome 8 days of music.  Our musical April starts with Jimmy Buffett and the Eagles, then the Foo Fighters and lastly Ozzy.  In fact, Ozzy is playing at a huge rock festival, so will have the opportunity to see some great bands like Sevendust, Five Finger Death Punch and Halestorm to name a few.  Lastly, I’m hoping to lighten up the music a bit in July with some Britney Spears action at the Hard Rock.

Tonight’s song performed by the Spice Girls (of course) is “Wannabe.”  Here’s to a very musical 2018, well at least for those of us that want to sing.

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Intentions and Catatonic Iguanas

Today’s post is all about setting intentions and catatonic iguanas.  We’re in a deep freeze here in South Florida, which has put the regions huge iguana population into a catatonic state.   These creatures are actually too cold to move.  Fortunately, once the temperatures climb again, they should reanimate.  Its just a sight to be seen as everywhere across S. Florida, Iguanas are belly up everywhere you go.  As an aside, it was colder here this morning than it was in Norway…  Maybe I could live in Norway after all….

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Unfortunately, due to my leg injury, I can’t wear my awesome boots.  It’s sad since we only get a handful of truly viable boot worthy weather.  Hopefully, I’ll get some answers on my leg tomorrow when I head to the podiatrist.  The only thing more miserable than an iguana in 30 degree weather is going to be me in a podiatrist office during season.  Oh my goodness, I’m really going to be mentally prepared for that office visit.

 

In order to distract my mind from the inevitable craziness of my trip to the podiatrist office, I decided to focus on my intentions for 2018.  Setting intentions is something we do as a class at the beginning of our yoga classes.  Every yogi sets their own intention for their practice and their day.  Consequently, why not expand the intentions to cover the entire year?

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My intentions are broad, but purposeful.  My first intention for 2018 is to incorporate discipline into my life.  What do I mean by discipline? Living a more disciplined life means sticking to my fitness routine and being willing to wake up for the 5:30 am class.  Moreover, it means eating mindfully and with a purpose.  It also means we have to hold our kids accountable (i.e. picking up after themselves, doing their homework independently.)

My second intention is to live with gratitude.  Living with gratitude means living every moment to the fullest and being grateful for those moments.  If I were to sum it up with a hashtag, it would be #livelikeDebbie.  It is easy for us to get caught up in life’s craziness forgetting to be thankful for the our days above ground and the people in our life.

As I lament my inability to wear boots, I relish the soft throw, sweats and hoodies that are keeping me comfortable on the couch.  Tonight’s song performed by Portugal The Man is “Live In the Moment.” I know, I know you were thinking it was going to be “Feel It Still.”

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My Favorite Riffs

When I saw the daily prompt  I was super excited to write about my favorite riffs.  I love music!  Undoubtedly, music plays an important role in my life.  It truly makes my world go round.  Unquestionably, my dad was a huge influence on my musical taste, which you’ll see in the list below.  For this list, I’ve put them in no specific order.  Moreover, while I’m not writing specifically about guitar riffs, I think you’ll find guitar riffs are heavily favored in my list.

Here’s a list of my favorite riffs (in no particular order) to include the music video where available:

15.  Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne

14. Revolution by The Beatles

13. Enter Sandman by Metallica

12. Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N’ Rose

11.  Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana

10.  Machinehead by Bush

9.  You Shook Me All Night Long

8.  Day Tripper by the Beatles

7. Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes

6.  Sunshine of Your Love by Cream

5.  Walk This Way by Aerosmith

4.  Stairway to Heaven by Led Zepplin

3.  Zombie by the Cranberries

2.   Back in Black by AC/DC

1.  Layla by Eric Clapton

 

There you have it, my short list of my favorite riffs.  Not surprisingly, I have many of these songs on both my hockey and my 5k playlist.  Are any of these songs on your playlist?  If so, which ones?  If not, what’s on your list of favorite riffs?

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My iPhone X

The iPhone X is finally here!  Ok, I acquiesce it was here last Friday the 3rd.  Importantly, My iPhone X arrived today.  While my Iphone 6 has served me well lasting well over 3.5 years, it is nearly ancient in phone terms and starting to show its age.  As excited as I have been about my new phone, my boys have been even more excited.  They were both dancing with glee when they saw it had arrived today.

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Consequently, the I received a call from the Mayor as I was drove up the turnpike.  The Mayor isn’t one to wait around for answers, so I was not surprised at all by this.  He and Goalielocks were fighting over who was going to get to open my phone.  The Mayor was busy pleading his case as Goalielocks was shouting he called it in the background.  Sensing his brother’s annoyance level rising, the Mayor proceeded to thank me for letting him open it.  Naturally, this made Goalielocks go ballistic.  Meanwhile, I’m telling the Mayor to stop saying these things that are clearly untrue.  I was finally able to get a word in edgewise and disappoint them both with the news that neither would open it.   Instead I would wait for them both to leave for hockey practice before I would open it myself.

After seeing pictures of shattered phones, I opened my new phone gingerly. I started setting it up before my Barre class.  Honestly, I’m proud of myself for putting down the Iphone X and heading to Xtend Barre.  It was seriously tempting to stay home to setup and play around with the phone.  Nevertheless, I exercised some discipline and headed to the Barre.  As usual, Adam kicked our butts in new and inventive ways.  I’m sure my legs, abs and arms will be screaming tomorrow.

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I activated the phone and finished the setup operations between sauteing the chicken and cooking rice.  The first thing the boys wanted to see once they boys got home from practice was my new phone.  As soon as they got in the door, they rushed over to see the new phone.  Namely, they wanted to see what it looks like and how it works compared to their phones.  I played around with some of the camera features, which pepper this blog.  I cannot wait to try out the camera tomorrow.  There are features that I still haven’t tried like the emoji maker, but I’ll have plenty for that.   It will take me awhile to get accustomed to the X as it is  quite different from the 6.  Nonetheless, I’m quite excited for my new toy.

Tonight’s song – love it –  is an awesome flashback to the 90’s with  Harvey Danger’s “Flagpole Sitta.”  I heard this song on the radio today as I drove and it brought me back to the 90s.

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Dancin’ in the Rain

Is there anything more cathartic than dancin’ in the rain? I tend to think not.  In all actuality, now that I live in a place where the rain is warm, I don’t even mind dancing in the real rain.  There’s no mystery to why I teach Zumba several week nights.  First, it helps cover the boys expensive hockey habit.  Secondly, and most importantly, it is my sanity keeper.  Even when I’ve had the worst day at work, I leave my Zumba class refreshed, happy and ready to take on the world.

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Dance has magical properties that lifts burdens from our shoulders.  I see it in my Zumba students and myself.  At the start of class, we all look a little more serious and stressed than we do at the end.  To be clear it isn’t only dance that achieves this, however, dancing in my mind is a lot more fun running.  Whatever gets you moving and gets your endorphins pumping will put you in a good space.

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So if you’re having a rough day and thinking about skipping your workout, don’t do it.  Get up and give yourself the gift of dance, running, weights, barre, hockey or whatever your workout of choice may be.  I know its super tempting to sit and binge watch Stranger Things 2, but put it off for at least a 1/2 and get moving.

“Dancin’ in the rain
Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
I’m happy again!
I’m singin’ and dancin’ in the rain”