In Like a Lion...

You know, I've really been struggling these past few weeks, months to come to terms with well, everything, and when I really sat and thought about my emotions and all the happenings of my day-to-day, I realized that it might not be me; it might be the weather.

Many people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder, and while I don't think I'm immune- I thrive on sunny days, despise the cold and gloom and weight of winter days- I certainly don't think I'm a candidate for therapeutic relief in the form of medication. No, I can usually talk myself out of a slump. Loft House cookies help.

Looking back further than recent months, I can say with certainty that this feeling I've had (and even posted about it ) comes with this anonymous in-between season we have here in the Midwest. Winter is still holding on via last-gasp snowstorms and early morning frost on car windows, and yet Spring is still hibernating, teasing with fantastically bright sunshine on 19 degree days. Aren't we like Spring, then? All we really want to do is stay snuggled in our beds a little longer. But my impatience gets the best of me, and I can be embarrassingly unbearable. So short is my fuse that I feel like I should have a rotating wardrobe of t-shirts with things like "Just DON'T" and "What the fuck is your point?" Bedazzled on them.

Anyway, I thought about how to best describe my emotional state this time of year (besides "laaaazzzzyyyy" and "potty mouthed"): wistful, meditative, pensive, contemplative, eager. Some of these connote sadness, and I guess I'm never sure what exactly I'm sad about; the words just seem to fit. And when I feel this way, I listen to certain types of music. "The Soundtrack of My Life," I like to call it, because I see the days of my life unfolding like a scene from a movie, and these are the songs I imagine playing in the theater should anyone else be privy to the show. In no particular order:

1. "Long Ride Home" by Patty Griffin (This is quite possibly the saddest song I know. I can't not cry when I hear it.)

2. "Everybody Knows" by Ryan Adams and The Cardinals (Another unsung American singer/songwriter. Listen to the CD "Easy Tiger.")

3. "Chicago" by Sufjan Stevens (This one always brings me back to its eponymous source, with memories of riding the El, marveling at the city.)

4. "One of These Things First" by Nick Drake ("A whole long lifetime could've been the end...")

5. "The Only Living Boy in New York" by Simon & Garfunkel (This reminds me of simpler days, and always ALWAYS of my dad. *love*)

6. "Say Hello Wave Goodbye" by David Gray (This version is hauntingly beautiful; yes, I know it was originally a New Wave pop B-side for the British band Soft Cell.)

7. "The Time of Times" by Badly Drawn Boy (I firmly believe that every movie soundtrack would be better with a song from Badly Drawn Boy.)

8. "Are You Alright?" by Lucinda Williams (It was difficult to pick just one song from Lucinda, but this one fits the list's vibe.)

9. "This Too Shall Pass" by OK Go (The link will take you to a super awesome marching band version of the song. For another version with a cool Rube Goldberg machine, go here.)

10. "Sons & Daughters" by The Decemberists (A bit melancholy, yet hopeful in the end: "Hear all the bombs fade away.")

And that's how I'll leave you today: hopeful. Because we all know the second half of this post's title...

New Music & Dancing

One of the things I like to do on the weekends is find new music. Now, there are several ways one can do this- recommendations from friends, listening to the radio, whatever- but one of my faves is to scan the Celebrity Playlists section of the iTunes Music Store. Another is to hang out at the Dirty D with My Favorite Redhead and My Favorite Local Celebrity and groove to some seriously filthy dance music. Some of that music is just N-A-S-T-Y! And I love it. It kinda makes it fobidden, and therefore somewhat sexy.

I wish my husband could dance sometimes. If I ever get him out on the dance floor, its to a "slow song" and his dancing consists of his arms around my waist and a slow shuffle of his feet back and forth, almost in rhythm to the music. Think back to the gymnasium scene at your high school prom, and you've got it.

Best times dancing? Good gravy...we used to have dance contests in our living room as kids. My brother Peaches (oooo, I'm gonna get it for calling him that!) would act as DJ and judge. My sisters Lisa and Sarah and I would dance to the same 45 record (!!!), and then a winner would be named. I think the winner got to pick the next song for the contest, but I'm not sure. I can't even remember any of the songs now.

Dancing with my sisters is a theme, I guess. There was that recent trip to Florida/ Disney World Marathon and our time spent on Pleasure Island at a club called "8 Tracks." Best. Dance. Music. Ever. And (more importantly) I looked hot. Family weddings, nights out in small town bars, my mom's living room, driving in the car to the start of the Chicago Marathon...always music, always laughter.

Challenge for the day: get up and dance.