Music Monday - "LA Song"

The other night I was at a local bar and they were having karaoke. You know, your typical bad, ear piercing karaoke. The same old thing, some guy/girl sings 50 times and all of the songs sound the same or a group of girls get up and sing some sort of song like "girls just wanna have fun" or you get that guy that butchers "Baby Got Back."

Anyway, I was sitting there enjoying my drink, trying to drown out the awful singers, when all of a sudden I heard this unbelievable voice coming from the stage. This girl (who was not only talented, but attractive) was performing Beth Hart's "LA Song." I've always liked Beth Hart's music. She has amazing way of bringing her life story out in her songs. But this girl on the stage not only sounded as good as Beth Hart, but maybe better.

It made me think of two things:

1. There are so many talented people in this world that never get discovered. They go unnoticed for various reasons - unlucky, don't ever take a chance, or just don't have the motivation to try.

2. This song made me think of something that I learned after moving out of state several years ago. I always wanted to live somewhere else after high school/college. I ended up in Tennessee for 3 years. The one thing that I learned is a lot of times you move because you want change or you think "the grass is greener on the other side," but usually you find that no matter where you go - it's you, not the place, that makes things different or brings about change. I'm not saying I will move out of state again, because I actually am about 100% sure I will. In fact, it probably will be in the next couple of years. But the one thing that I will remember is to not move because I think it will be better somewhere else. But to move because I want to move!

Here is Beth Hart's "LA Song." Enjoy!

Keep on, keepin' on
-J

"Autumn"

au=tumn – a: the season that comes between summer and winter; fall: in the astronomical year, that period between the autumnal equinox and the winter solstice.

My favorite time of year is quickly approaching – fall! There are a number of reasons that I enjoy this time of year. Let me highlight a few:

1. Weather – I love the cool, crisp feel that you experience during this time of year. Whenever you can wear shorts, a long sleeve shirt, and sandals – you have to enjoy it. The temperature is perfect – usually around 60-70.

2. College Football – My favorite sport to watch. Many people talk about the NFL like it is their life, but I say nothing beats the atmosphere of college football. I am a HUGE Florida Gators fan and many of Saturday night festivities depend on how they do that day. GO GATORS!!!

3. Tailgating – Speaking of college football – tailgating season is upon us. I typically venture over to tailgate our state university. This year we have 7 home games! It’s a great time getting together with my cousins and friends and enjoying a Saturday morning. I can’t say that I always make it into the game, but I do usually watch every game on tv at a local establishment! 

4. Travel Season – Fall marks the beginning of my travel season for work. I typically will be out on the road for 6-7 weeks. It’s always refreshing to get out of the office for a while, and believe me – I need to!

5. Birthday – It’s hard to think about fall without thinking about my birthday. I turn another year older wiser!

I hope everyone has a great fall season!

Keep on, keepin’ on
-J

More from Corleone at Myxer

Music Monday - "Old Blue Chair"

Labor Day usually is the beginning of the end of summer. I started to think about this past summer and what I enjoyed about it.....

I've spent this summer golfing a lot more than I usually do. It was something I wanted to do. I wanted to try and improve my game by 2-3 strokes and I succeeded. But I also realized that I didn't get the opportunity to do one of my favorite things during the summer..... spending time on the lake, boating with my friends!

About 7 years ago when I moved back from Tennessee I took a couple months off of work. I had just left my current job and was in the process of looking for a new one. I was in no hurry! In fact, I decided that I would just hang out with some friends for the summer and eventually get around to getting a job.

So Big D, Todd, and I spent about 4 days a week out on the lake in the boat. We came to call these "umemployment seminars", which really stood for - "Lets waste away the day, get tan and not think about work" seminars. Actually, Big D and I were the only two that weren't working at the time, Todd just chose not to work very hard.

I really enjoyed those days and I wish I could go back to them. Not having a care in the world, no stress, and just relaxing. I decided this weekend that I'm not going to get too stressed over things in the future. Too many people that I am surrounded by on a day to day basis are stressed ALL of the time! People just need to lighten up and relax!

This song came to mind over the weekend. During our "Unemployment Seminars" on the lake we spent a lot of time listening to Kenny Chesney. "Old Blue Chair" has become my favorite song of his. I wanted to share this song and hopefully it will help you have a stress-free, relaxing weekend!

Keep on, keepin' on
-J