(43-224) He's Got The Beat

Because I don't ever like to leave a story unfinished; tonight I want to tell you how things went at "Luis' DJ Debut."    First, I have to say that I think Luis and I make a great team.  Together, there is nothing that we can't do; and now we can add DJ-ing to the list.
 
Luis had asked me to help him with his play list; so I suggested some songs, and then he worked on how to mix them together.  By the time we left for his 8pm audition; we were both feeling very confident about his finished product; although we knew that he wasn't quite at the professional DJ level.

When we arrived at the bar, a number of my co-workers were there; along with my bosses and a few women who had already booked reunions.  They greeted Luis and told him that he was one of seven guys who were going to show their stuff; and they asked him what number he would like to be.  Luis asked to go fifth; and shortly thereafter, the first DJ started his show.

I sat with my boss and  two ladies who were going to have reunions in October; one for the class of 81' the other 2001;  and we all agreed that DJ #1 was not a reunion circuit DJ.  He played some hard core hip hop and at one point one of the ladies asked how you were supposed to dance to this, and I demonstrated the one arm sway.  I explained that I thought they needed the other arm free to lift their pants up from time to time; and they got real kick out of that.  I asked my boss if he'd brought his gong; and he thought that was really funny too.  After a few endless minutes the two ladies and I told my boss that we thought we'd heard enough; and DJ #1 turned over the mic.

DJ #2 was GOOD!  He totally looked the part; and he had some slammin mixes.  If I was Luis I would have been thoroughly intimidated; but as always; Luis remained cool, calm and collected.  #3 was another miss.  He  had skills, but his music selection was not appropriate and we found his mixes to be choppy.  #4 had more of what the 81' reunion gal was lookin for.  He had good mixes, and music that we all liked but the equipment was causing him some difficulty; though I'm not sure why.

In between DJ #3 and 4 My boss asked what Luis was going to be playing and when I told him; everyone at the table got very excited.  I explained to the ladies that Luis was an aspiring DJ and that  he'd only practiced on a computer program; BUT I thought that he had great potential.  I told the ladies to feel free to criticize Luis in front of me; and I also offered to leave the table during his turn; but they just laughed and asked me to stay.  They said that even if he didn't do as many mixes as the other guys; they liked the sound of his play list, A LOT.  (Pat on the back for me.)

Luis took his turn, but despite the fact that he had practiced on a program of the same name, this one was entirely different.  He played his songs, but had to forego mixes; and he was so intent on concentrating that he didn't say a word.  Luis knew that he wasn't able to put on the same type of show as the other DJ's but I assured him that he's got the beat.

This afternoon my co-worker called, to let me know that Luis received a number of high ratings because people really liked his song selection.  She said that my boss wants Luis to borrow the equipment and learn how to use it.  He also needs to make three, ten minute mixes.  One for the 80's, one for the 90's and one for the 00's (however you say that.)  Luis has already started working on these, so I know that DJ-ing was all that he had expected it to be and now he's just going to have to practice, practice, practice.

I told you earlier that I don't like to leave a story unfinished; so what would this post be, if I didn't share Luis' play list? ENJOY!!
"Raise Your Glass" - Pink
"Club Can't Handle Me" - Flo Rida ft. David Guetta
"When I Get You Alone" - Robin Thicke (Although I think the "GLEE" version is MUCH better!)
"I Like It" - Enrique Iglesias Ft. Pitbull
"The Time" - Black Eyed Peas
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-163) 300!

So here's how my brain works; remember when Will Ferrell (as Craig) and Cheri Oteri (as Arianna,) did the Spartan cheerleader skits on Saturday night live?

Well, if you do, then you know that a typical cheer format would be something like: (Craig): "Who's that Spartan in my teepee?" (Arianna): "It's me, it's me" (Craig): "Who's that Spartan in my teepee?" (Arianna): "It's me, it's me." (Together): "Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "Native Americans!" 

Now, if you've ever seen the skits that I'm referring to, right about now you should have yourself a good visual goin on; so hold that thought... And if you've NEVER seen it; then once again I sound like a loon, but please indulge me this one more time.
Now, with the cheerleaders in mind, it should make PERFECT sense, when in Spartan style I say: "Who's reached another milestone today?"  "It's me, it's me."  "Yah, who's reached another milestone today?"  "IT'S ME, IT'S ME!"  "Uh-huh, uh-huh. Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh!" "300th post!"

WHEW, like giving birth sometimes I tell ya; but when I get an idea stuck in my head, I just gotta go with it; and that's exactly what I've been doing for 300 posts now.  300, that number seems so unreal to me; and yet I am hopeful that in just a few short months, it's a landmark that I will celebrate for a second time this year.  First now, for 300 total posts and then when I have completed another 137 posts and I submit #300 in the 43 series. Whoa, so many numbers my head is spinning.  I think it's probably best that I don't think in such big leaps, but simply continue celebrating the achievements as they occur.  I want to recognize my small victories, as I take baby steps toward this enormous goal.

In honor of my 300th post; NO, it won't be a list of 300 random things; or 300 anything for that matter; but instead only 3 things.  2 quotes and 1 song.  First for the quotes.  Yesterday, Michelle M, had this quote as her status on Facebook.  It's a quote from Aunt Frances, in the movie "Practical Magic;" and although I saw the film, I hadn't recalled the quote: "My darling girl, when are you going to understand that being normal is not necessarily a virtue? It rather denotes a lack of courage."  Just mull that over for a sec; cause I LOVE it; and I think it is VERY me.

The second quote, is by Mary Anne Radmacher; and it also happens to be about courage.  This quote is on a magnet, on my refrigerator; and I look at it EVERY day; and it inspires me. 
"Courage does not always roar.
Sometimes courage is the quiet voice
at the end of the day saying
'I will try again tomorrow'."

And with that, I give you one of my new favorite songs. A song that makes me want to get up and CELEBRATE!  It's Pink's "Raise Your Glass."  So CHEERS!
Till next time...
Queen of EVERYTHING

(43-67) Color My World...

I've said it before, and I'll say it again; I'm SO thankful for Mari's "Memories and Thoughts" jar. 
I dipped in today and my mind was reeling.  I found a lot of great prompts, which I plan to use in the near future; but today I thought I'd keep it nice and simple by answering the question, "What's your favorite color?"
Color is VERY important to me; and I'll be so bold to say, that I know my "specific" colors a lot more fluently than most people.  OK, I'll go there; I am The Queen of COLOR!  From making jewelry to scrapbooking; color has always been something that I've known well.  I am that person, who won't do a scrapbooking layout if I don't have the "perfect" color matches.  Not because I think that anyone will judge it; but because I like things the way that I like them; for better or worse.
Being that I am so color crazy, it should come as no surprise that when asked my favorite color, I wouldn't reply with a generic answer like purple; but supply the MOST specific shade as it is THAT color, that is my favorite.  So the answer is ORCHID.

Being the Queen of VERBOSITY; I  couldn't just say "My favorite color is Orchid;" and leave it at that.  Oh no; I had to go searching for deeper meaning.  I wanted to find out what having Orchid for a favorite color meant about me or my personality; but I was unable to find an explanation for Orchid per se; and had to settle more for the the generic purple or pink.

In my opinion Orchid is the most perfect combination of pink and purple that one can find.

It blends together beautifully, and manifests into a radiant hue that no other can compare to.  So to say that my favorite color was purple OR pink wouldn't be accurate.  It must be an amalgamation of the two; which would imply that my personality is also a fusion of the duo.  According to Care2.com "those whose favorite color is Purple, are highly individual, fastidious, witty and sensitive, with a strong desire to be unique and different. Temperamental, expansive and artistic, a Purple person may become aloof and sarcastic when misunderstood. If you chose Purple, you tend to be unconventional, tolerant and dignified, likely to achieve positions of authority." HMMM, I'd say that I have purple traits for sure.   As for Pink: "This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. Women who prefer Pink tend to be maternal. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink people require affection and like to feel loved and secure, perhaps wanting to appear delicate and fragile. Pink people tend to be charming and gentle, if a trifle indefinite."  Now although I'm not a PURE pink by this definition; there are definitely some aspects that pertain to me.  I couldn't see me being described as exclusively pink or definitively, purple; but the mixture of the two sums me up quite well.  Throw in some green (my other favorite color;) and I'm complete.  Green: The color of harmony and balance, Green symbolizes hope, renewal and peace, and is usually liked by the gentle and sincere. Greens are generally frank, community-minded people, fairly sociable but preferring peace at any price. Green people can be too self-effacing, modest and patient, so they may get exploited by others. They are usually refined, civilized and reputable.

It's amazing how our color preferences set us apart as individuals; my personal color palette is Purple and Green; and all shades therein;  and yet, someone else might not care for either; let alone the two together.  It's intriguing, how a color that can cause one individual joy and happiness can cause another to feel sad, anxious or even repulsed.  I know some people who like a certain color, but would never consider wearing it; and then there are those who don't like color at all - which is beyond me.  The only color that I don't particularly care for is Grey.  To me it's bland and nondescript.  It's not deep and strong like Black; or crisp and clean like white.  I prefer the vibrant colors or the jewel tones to pastels and   I'd choose neon over the lighter tones; any day.   I want to live my life in technicolor!  Color my world in hues that are vivacious, dynamic; and splendid and you'll color me  happy!!!

Till next time...

Queen of EVERYTHING