Kapachino

Father-Daughter Dance

One of the hardest things about planning this wedding so far has been choosing the music. I had never really thought about what music I want at my wedding before, and since music has played a big part in my life it’s been difficult to find the perfect songs. My dad has been looking forward to our dance for years, and so I really wanted to choose a special song for him.

The other day I was working on my computer, and I set my iTunes to shuffle. After hearing “One” by U2 and “Fields of Gold” by Eva Cassidy, a song that I had never heard before played. It was just background music to what I was focused on at the time, but about halfway through I had to stop what I was doing to see what it was called, because I realized that I really, really liked it.

It was a song called “Easy Silence” by the Dixie Chicks, on their latest album. I played it over again, and then I looked up the words. Here are the first couple verses and the chorus:

When the calls and conversations
Accidents and accusations
Messages and misperceptions
Paralyze my mind

Easy silence that you make for me
It’s okay when there’s nothing more to say to me
And the peaceful quiet you create for me
And the way you keep the world at bay for me
The way you keep the world at bay

I played it a few more times, thought about it, then took my computer straight downstairs to my dad. When I told him it was by the Dixie Chicks he wasn’t too excited because of their politics and the way they said they were ashamed to be from Texas. (But he loves Bruce Springsteen, so see how far that argument goes?) Anyway, he humored me and we listened to it together. I could tell he liked it, and when the violin came in he said so.

I guess this isn’t a typical father-daughter dance, but I think it fits us. When we dance to this at my wedding, I will be saying to him, “The world is a crazy place, and through it all you have protected me and provided me with a home, a place of comfort where I can rest and be myself. We aren’t talkers, you and I, but we understand each other. Thank you for bringing me up safely through all the hazards of life so that I can live this very moment, the happiest of my life, and marry the man I love. He will protect me now, but I know that it is because of you that I am here.”

To listen to the song, click here.

Any Ideas?

Hello internet,

I have absolutely no idea what music to walk down the aisle to in 53 days. Due to the location and my lack of planning, it will be recorded. We need songs for the wedding party processional, bridal processional, and recessional. Your thoughts?

Also, what are some good dancing songs? And what songs should I tell the DJ not to play?

I appreciate any ideas at all. I am sure I will be begging you for more advice soon enough.

Peace, Grace, Comfort, Please

I am having a rough day. These songs are helping.

Prayers would help too. I’m begging you to say one for me.

I’m OK, You’re OK!

I apologize for my last post, which I admit was utterly depressing. I really have been going through something lately, and I think I can honestly say that last week was one of the worst weeks of my life. That post basically summarized how I felt up to that point.

But! I have wonderful people in my life who have been there for me, and I have received many words of encouragement and much support. I do believe that I am loved by a mighty God through whom all things are possible. I now have complete hope and confidence in my situation, and although it remains difficult, I know I can make it through to the other side. Not only that, but I know that the other side holds a better life for me and those involved in this ordeal.

So, let me talk about some random, completely unrelated things to distract me and to make this a happier place to be. First of all, I went to see the movie The Jane Austen Book Club with my roommates, and I loved it. I’ve only read two of Jane Austen’s books, and now I’d really like to read the rest. A long time ago my grandmother gave me the complete set, so I have them all. But that’s beside the point; the movie was really cute and funny, so if you like that kind of thing you should see it.

Secondly, I have now witnessed a C-section and a vaginal birth. Both were fascinating, but I have to say that when I have kids I really don’t want a C-section if I can help it. Also regarding school, I have the rest of this week off, which is quite nice, but then next week I have a test in both classes so I need to hit the books.

On Saturday I ran the Race For The Cure. I think I did pretty well, considering the pack of people I was hindered by. Not that I was trying to win any awards or anything, I was just hoping to have a decent personal time. Also on Saturday I went to see the David Crowder Band in concert. It was pretty good, but not one of the best concerts I’ve seen. The place was pretty big, and we weren’t very close. Also, I was extremely exhausted and I think I actually dozed off during one of the songs. Oops. However, the opening band, The Myriad, was really good, and the whole experience was worth it just to see the people around us dancing and getting into the music. Sometimes Christian rock concerts are just hilarious.

In conclusion, I hope everyone has a great week. I know mine will be better than the last. To quote Mandy Moore, “I’m looking forward to looking back on these days.”

Things I Am Enjoying Lately

Click on the pictures for more information…

Just finished this book:

My boyfriend has read almost all of Stephen King’s books (only skipping the fantasy ones), so it was only a matter of time before I started in on them, and this was my first. I definitely have a taste for more!

This workbook:

I decided I wanted to get back to my daily Bible reading, but I knew I needed some help. This is supposed to go along with a group Bible study where you watch videos once a week and discuss, but it is great on its own, too. I actually look forward to it every morning when I wake up.

These albums:

I’ve never listened to much of Mandy Moore, but this CD is really good! Not too “poppy” like her other stuff. Apparently she wrote or co-wrote most of it and put a lot of her own money into it so it would sound like she wants it to.

If you’ve never listened to The Weepies, you need to!

These jeans:

I have been on a quest for quite awhile for the perfect jeans, but until now I haven’t been able to bring myself to spend too much money on them. That philosophy changes now, because it is SO WORTH IT.

These boys:

And this is what they look like most of the time, just following me around from room to room and flopping themselves down! Riley was so scared of the thunder that he didn’t want to be away from me for a second. Not only did he sleep with his head on my pillow, but he actually climbed INTO the shower with me. It was the funniest thing I’ve seen in a long time.

Of course this guy:

And tomorrow I will be enjoying this:

So I will most likely not be back online until I have finished it. Unfortunately I have a great deal of plans this weekend so the book might not get finished till next week. Can’t wait to talk to you about it!

Preparations

Tomorrow I fly to Kansas to watch my best friend get married. Thanks for your help with the songs, by the way. I took some of your suggestions and others made me smile.
Here is one playlist of sweet love songs that I created, and another which is a little more sensual, a little more spicy. No raunch though.

I know I’m only going out of town for 4 days, but I still feel like I have so much to do before leaving. Such as:
• Shop for shoes to match my bridesmaid dress, a bigger memory card for my camera, and a book
• Mail off a scholarship application
• Put together the wedding gift
• Pack
• Watch a movie and return it
• Play an indoor soccer game
• Work for approximately 6 hours tomorrow

And sorry to cut this short, but I think I am going to leave class early right now to go start on this list!

I Ask For Your Input

My best friend is getting married in a week, and one of the things I’d like to do for her is make a “First Night” CD for them to listen to…whenever. I’d appreciate your suggestions on which songs to include, because without help I’m sure I’ll overlook some really good ones. Thanks!

The Nickel Creek Concert: One Less Thing To Do Before I Die

I will admit, I haven’t been to a ton of concerts in my life, but I’ve been to some. And seeing Nickel Creek live last Friday, something that I have been wanting to do for years, was the best live music experience I have ever had in the quarter century that I have walked this earth.

First of all, the band graciously requested a no-smoking policy at the club they performed in. That was wonderful. And thanks to some friends of mine who got there REALLY early and let us stand in line with them, we got to stand on the FRONT ROW. Which, as Lauren said, is the only way that counts. This band is raw talent. And they’re funny and personable, and my own age. I sincerely wish that this wasn’t their last tour.

Here is a picture to prove to you how close I was:

Here is the set list (the photo is upside-down to increase readability):

And here is a video that Lauren took of a funny song:

You can see the rest of my pictures here.

The only bad thing about the whole night was that we had to stay on our feet for six hours straight, and there was a LOT of waiting beforehand. This was not in the least bit pleasant, but it was worth it if only for the moment when they went off set list for the very last song and played “The Lighthouse’s Tale” instead of “When You Come Back Down” due to crowd request, after which ensued the most amazing crescendo of awesomeness that I forgot to close my mouth for longer than is socially acceptable. I have found myself wishing to be back in that moment many times since then.

So yeah, it was a pretty good concert.

***Edited to add as requested, the lyrics to the above song:

I won’t find another girl on my own
I don’t think you understand how dependent on you I’ve grown
Gonna gripe and moan till someone does something for me

Who am I gonna take to the Grammys
Who am I gonna make out with when I win
If you’re going to leave me
Set me up with one of your friends

Music Anyone?

I got my Nickel Creek ticket in the mail today (which is not the point of this entry, although I am very excited about that) and along with it there was an advertisement for emusic.com saying that if I only sign up for a subscription I will get a 14-day free trial and 50 free downloads! Well, turns out that there’s only 25 free downloads, but I did it anyway. Reason being, I have realized that I am so out of it regarding new music lately, and I don’t want to be. So far I’ve only used up one of my free songs. Please give me suggestions! I have no idea what to pick! Leave me a comment with a specific song or two that you suggest, and perhaps a little description of what it is like. I will be ever so grateful!