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December 2020

Bye, 2020.

Oh, 2020… where do we even begin?

 

Yeah, so it’s been an absolutely ridiculous year. Definitely the dumbest one I’ve encountered in my almost 38 years on this planet.  Heck, my parents will be 70 and they said they’ve never seen such shenanigans either.

I will be honest, I was lucky this year. A few dings, but nothing insurance can’t fix.  I know this isn’t the case for so many around the world.  That was one fascinating (and disappointing) aspect of this year- the lack of compassion and understanding for others who aren’t in your situation. I know several people who would say, “Oh, I don’t get why people are mad about staying at home. I love it!” Really? Everyone isn’t you. So many lost their jobs and their dreams due to stay-at-home orders. But then again, many were probably saved by it. There’s no right answer, I don’t think.  Also, the hypocrisy that was displayed throughout the year- “Stay Home!” Unless you’re protesting or going to a presidential rally or celebration.  So many mixed messages.  And just to set the record straight, I am not affiliated with either political parties. I just like parties in general.  As long as I’m in bed by 11.

It’s a strange, messed-up era we are living in with too many people convinced that they are right, and too quick to judge others who don’t believe exactly how they do.  It was very depressing to see so many people be hateful to each other because of differing opinions.  And I feel sorry for anyone named Karen.  Their name got totally hijacked this year. (But let’s be real, that part WAS kind of funny)

 

But aside from the hot mess that was 2020, there WAS a lot of good things that happened. I think we all did get stronger, and more resilient (I think being an Army wife for almost 14 years helped me with that one. We never know what the heck is going to happen.) Seeing all the positive stories coming out of this year… the social distant parades, and the random acts of kindness… the sidewalk chalk art and the painted rocks with hopeful messages that were all over our neighborhoods… little things made me believe that we all aren’t all so bad. That behind the angry veneer, there is a shred of hope for humanity.

 

Ok, if I’m waxing poetic too much, it’s because my mom and Aunt just interrupted me to try to get me to take a shot of vodka with them.  I hate vodka. (Bad experience or 5 in college) So I settled for 1 and 1/2 glasses of Prosecco, and now here I am… a bubbly and stuff… I mean, it IS New Years Eve, after all. So it’s totally ok.

 

Ok, so my point is, and yes, I’m feeling that Prosecco (which my dad just informed me is basically Italian champagne, and I’m not sure why I didn’t know that) is that as we get into a new year, is to be kind. Don’t be a total dillweed. Not everyone is you or has had your life experiences. Nobody knows the right answers to all the mess that is happening in our world, and all we can really do is try and not make things worse.  And if anyone can invent a mask that doesn’t make me break out, that’d be cool, too.

Ok, I’m going to find more of that Italian Prosecco stuff.  I honestly thought Prosecco was lunch meat until this week.

 

Be nice, wear deodorant, mow your lawn, and pay your taxes.

 

That’s all I ask.

Cheers and I wish a much better 2021 for everyone.

 

 

The Best Christmas Songs EVER!

Tis’ the season for holiday music!

Oddly enough, I couldn’t stand Christmas music growing up. Not sure why, but thankfully I’m growing out of that, and getting my Christmas cheer on.  Here are my picks for the BEST Christmas songs of all time.

“All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey

Overplayed? Sure. But that’s because it’s glorious. I don’t care what kind of mood I’m in, as soon as this comes on the radio, I’m in full-on car performance mode.  If you hate this song, it’s because you hate life. That’s all there is to it.

 

“Hallelujah” by Pentatonix

This song is a classic, and noone does it like Leonard Cohen, I get that.

But daaannnnng, Pentatonix’s version gives me hella chills every time I hear it.  The sheer vocal talent of this group is incredible.

 

“The Christmas Song” by Nat King Cole


You can’t beat Nat King Cole, especially when it comes to holiday classics. Nat knows what’s up.

 

 

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Frank Sinatra

Like Nat King Cole, Ol’ Blue Eyes can do no wrong when it comes to holiday songs.

Still trying to wrap my mind around Scott Stapp of Creed playing him in an upcoming Ronald Reagan biopic. But that’s a rant for another day.

 

“Christmas Tree Farm” by Taylor Swift

I’m a Swiftie, and I’m not ashamed.

This is a great original Christmas tune, and I don’t care what you say about Tay Tay, woman can write a dang song!

 

“Christmas Eve and Other Stories” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra


I can’t pick just one song, so here’s the full album.  Just absolutely incredible musicianship, and a great marriage of rock and holiday classics.

 

“Underneath the Tree” by Kelly Clarkson

Such a fun, happy Christmas song, and Kelly’s vocals are just killer.  Another one that prompts a very terrible car concert by your truly.

 

“Hallelujah” by Carrie Underwood and John Legend

This one just came out this year on Carrie’s first full-length Christmas album “My Gift”

Two fantastic artists on a gorgeous song.  Wowza!

 

“Carol of the Bells” by Lindsey Sterling

Lindsey Sterling is crazy talented, and I love this take on the classic “Carol of the Bells”

I wish I could play an instrument, or dance, or anything cool like that. Oh well. At least I can live vicariously through her.

 

That’s my list of the best Christmas songs.

What’s your favorite holiday tune? Am I missing anything?

 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The BEST Songs Of 2020

 

2020 was a stupid year.  I think that is one of the things we can ALL agree on.  However, the silver lining was that there was some pretty great new music that was released.

 

Here’s my picks for the best songs of 2020:

And no, WAP is NOT on the list. Don’t even get me started on that…

 

Miranda Lambert “Bluebird”

Miranda Lambert is just the coolest. And one HELL of a songwriter. The fact that this song is her first #1 in YEARS is bullcrap, especially considering what has been topping the Country charts the past few years. I honestly can’t even begin to explain that.

This song is beautifully written, and has some great lines in it. It’s the perfect song for 2020. Keep that light on in your soul, and that bluebird in your heart, people!

The Weekend “Blinding Lights”

 

The Weeknd is incredibly talented, and has some perfectly executed pop songs that are also radio friendly.  Why he’s not nominated for a Grammy this year is a musical travesty.  This song has been in constant rotation in my mental playlist this year, and make me wish I actually knew how to dance.

 

 

Mammoth WVH “Distance”

Eddie Van Halen’s son Wolfgang made a beautiful tribute to his late father with this song, and it immediately topped the Rock charts, as it should.

I tear up every time I hear it, and this video is a gut wrencher.

 

Greta Van Fleet “My Way Soon”

The latest release from Greta Van Fleet- some people say they are too much like Led Zeppelin. I say that’s NOT a bad thing.  Actually, this song gives more Rush vibes, especially on the vocals.

Again, NOT a bad thing.  Glad to have these kiddos representing modern rock.

 

 

Evanescence “Wasted On You”

I’m so glad this band is back.  And if I could have the voice of anyone, it would be Amy Lee. Just pure vocal perfection.

 

 

Megan Thee Stallion and Beyonce “Savage”

You can’t go wrong with a Beyonce collab.  This one stands out for me for being catchy, and for having a viral tik tok dance that I cannot master.

Also, I wonder if Megan knows that a Stallion is a male horse?  It should be Megan Thee Mare. But whatever.

 

 

 

The Pretty Reckless “Death By Rock and Roll”

I’m so glad this band is back on the scene this year. Taylor Momsen can freaking rock (not bad for a chick that was once on “Gossip Girl”) and this is just a fun, in your face rock song that we need more of. We just need more women in rock period.

 

 

Dua Lipa “Break My Heart”

I’m going to be honest, it took me a while to get down with Dua Lipa, but she has definitely proven her pop prowress to me this year! I’m a sucker for a good bass line, and this song is giving off strong Queen vibes, and is catchy as hell. I jam out to it every time it’s on the radio, which is about 67 times a day. I’m cool with that.

 

Parker McCollum “Like a Cowboy”

Parker is definitely the hot new thing on the Country Music scenes, and with songs like this, he damn well should be. Less pop country, and more of this in 2021, please.


Miley Cyrus “Midnight Sun”

Miley has gone rock, and I am LOVING it! I feel like she’s finally found her true sound with her new album “Plastic Hearts” and the first single is a standout. From it’s echoing of Stevie Nicks’ “Edge of Seventeen” to it’s 80’s pop sound, I am ALL for it.

 

 

 

Those are my top picks for 2020.  What was a standout song for you?

Anything you think I should know about?