Random Thoughts by Annie

Ha! I didn't realize my heading was like the old Jack Handy one. LOL!

First topic: check this out - On Wednesday of this week, at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning, the time and date will be 01:02:03 04/05/06.That will never ever happen again in our life time.

Second topic: This morning, while I was drying my hair, my husband came into the bathroom to let me know "the old crow made her announcement." I looked up at him, confused. "What?," I said. "You know, the old crow, she's leaving the Today Show and she just announced it. I rewound it for you to watch." So, out into the living room I go, to hear Katie Couric's on-air resignation.

Unlike my husband, I don't hate Katie Couric. I don't think she's an old crow. I like Katie Couric. I think she's kinda cute. And I met her once a few years ago, when my old employer was featured on the plaza on morning. Yes, she is old. Yes, she wears way too much make up. But she's sweet and she has a nice smile. I'll be sad to see her go, although I'm secretly hoping that Ann Curry gets her spot.

Third topic: the weather in Northern New Jersey has been a complete crapshoot the last few weeks. Especially the last seven days. Last week, we had the best weather of the year. We had sunshine, light breezes, and 65 degree weather. Over the weekend, we had more of the same, except the temperature dropped a light bit. Monday, it was freezing. Monday night, we had a rain storm that reminded me of driving along the Florida turnpike when I was in college. The rain was coming down so fast furiously that I couldn't see the cars in front of me. Yesterday, sunny, but cold. This morning, grey and gloomy. Between meetings this morning, I stopped to get a coffee. When I arrived at Dunkin' Donuts, it was sleeting. It suddenly stopped. Now, it's snowing. The weather gods are playing tricks on us, I think. I bet tomorrow it'll be 80 degrees and sunny.

Fourth topic: For as long as I can remember, music has been part of my life. When I was a little girl, I used to sing Copacabana, I Will Survive and Dancing Queen at the top of my lungs. Years later, I sing to the radio as I drive. The great thing about music is that is takes me back to certain times in my life. Sometimes, they remind me of sad times. But oftentimes, I feel happy and nostalgic when I hear some of these songs.

My favorite songs from A to Z (with the exception of V and Z!):

• Ants Marching by the Dave Matthews Band - this song reminds me of my Birkenstock-wearing college days. Life was simple then, although I didn't realize it then. Also, Against All Odds by Phil Collins. This is one of those songs that I used to listen to just to make myself cry. What can I say? I'm an odd duck.
• Baby, I Love Your Way by Peter Frampton - this one is a classic. It's just romantic.
• Copacabana by Barry Manilow - my all-time favorite song. In my European travels, I taught my traveling partners the lyrics.
• Dancing Queen by ABBA - this song reminds me of many stages of my life. First, it reminds me of my childhood. Many years later, as I travelled through Europe, I heard this song over and over, and danced to it many nights during my travels.
• Everyday by James Taylor - this song was on the radio one summer night in 1992. I was in high school, all dressed up with friends, and we were at the drive thru at Miami Subs on US1.
• For You by Kenny Lattimore - I first heard this song in college and predicted it would be my wedding song. It wasn't. But then again, the man I thought I would dance with didn't turn out to be the one either. Funny how life takes turns for the better.
• God Bless the USA by Lee Greenwood - whenever I hear this song, I remember September 11th and the outpouring of love for our country that is oftentimes missing.
• How Deep Is Your Love by The Bee Gees - ever since I was a little girl, I have known this song is special. I remember hearing it when I watched Saturday Night Fever. My husband and I later danced to it during our wedding reception.
• I'll Never Fall in Love Again by Tom Jones - this song is so sad and whenever I hear Tom Jones sing it, it brings tears to my eyes.
• Just the Way You Are by Billy Joel - a song about unconditional love.
• Killing Me Softly by Roberta Flack - have you ever heard Roberta Flack sing? Her voice is beautiful.
• Lady by Kenny Rogers - another song that brings tears to my eyes. The Kenny Rogers version is full of emotion and it overwhelms me that a song can convey so much love for a woman.
• Moon River by Jerry Butler - one of the first 'romantic' songs my husband played for me. I thought it was cheesey. Then I listened to the lyrics.
• No More Tears (Enough is Enough) by Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand - one of the songs I used to sing before I could speak English.
• One by U2 - I first saw U2 when I was senior in high school. I listened to it throughout my freshman year of college too.
• Penny Lane by The Beatles - I am a fan of any Beatles song. This one reminds me of my early years in high school. There was a girl who used to sing it all the time.
• Que Sera Sera by Various Artists - this is one of those cheesey lounge-type songs that reminds me of Las Vegas.
• Rock With You by Michael Jackson - the *real* Michael Jackson. When he had a real nose and real hair. He was awesome!
• Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston - this is one of Whitney Houston's first hits and I remember playing it over and over in our basement when I was about 9 years old.
• That's the Way I've Always Heard it Should Be by Carly Simon - like Roberta Flack, Carly Simon's voice is fantastic. Very sultry, she sings with lots of emotion. I love it.
• Unforgettable by Nat King Cole - I'm very partial to the version with his daughter, Natalie. The way the voices harmonize with eachother make the song easy on my ears. It's also the song I danced to with my father at my wedding, and my husband with his mother.
• Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton - my wedding song. It's also the first song I ever danced to with my husband, before I even realized I would marry him.
• Xanadu by Oliva Newton-John - another one of the songs from my childhood. I remember watching her concert on HBO, singing this song, and wanting to go to this place where nobody dared to go.
• You Make Me Feel Brand New by The Stylistics - another one of my college-era songs. Nice harmonizing, I could never sing like that.

And it finally stopped snowing!