My Ultimate Personal Jovi Playlist



It's Friday.  Friday is about favorites (in bloggerland).  My favorite band of all time is Bon Jovi.  I haven't done a Friday Favorites in a very long time.  So, here you have it.

 

It is entirely possible that the only person who will truly enjoy this post is Ericka, (although Jenn encouraged me to write it).  It's taken months to write.  My love for Bon Jovi started in 1984.  That's 32 years of love.  32 years of music and songs.  32 years of stories to share.  I still didn't share them all.  I culled songs and stories.  I swear I did.  But, this post is still a lengthy one.  No apologies.  (except, I apologize to the songs and stories that I cut but still mean a lot to me...sorry Bad Name, I still love you.)

I fully expect most of you to skip and/or skim over this post.  It breaks my heart a little to know that, but I'll be a realist.

These are the Bon Jovi songs that have shaped me.  My personal playlist.  I don't always pick the obvious choices because my personal faves are not always the obvious songs.  But, these are mine.  Condensed.

3 songs to have the biggest impact:

• Livin' on a Prayer - It is tattooed on my foot; It can be heard in bars, sports stadiums, movies, television shows, classic rock radio stations, and more.  It is the one song that anyone who knows that Bon Jovi as a band exists, knows this song.
• Wanted Dead or Alive - If you've ever been to a karaoke bar, you've heard this song.  I've told this story here before, but I'll tell it again.  Milton Keynes, England 2006; I cried real tears watching 60,000+ Bon Jovi fans sing this aloud at the top of their lungs during an encore.
• It's My Life - My personal anthem that I'm happy to share as an anthem with others; the song that showed Bon Jovi's career was not going to be only that 80s hair band; they were going to continue to put out hits, albums, and have hugely successful tours.
  
  
  

3 favourite ballads (I have a whole playlist of ballads, so picking three was just laughable, but here they are):

• Always - The epitome of a Bon Jovi ballad; I have sang this song in stadiums, in my car, in my shower; I have sang this song through tears and through smiles.  Jovi fan or not, if you don't think this is a good song, well, I'm not sure we can be friends.
• I Want You - A much lesser known ballad than I'll Be There For You or Bed of Roses, but it's a personal fave that remains so this day, 24 years after I first heard it.
• All About Lovin' You - Not all Jovi fans like this song, but I do, and this is my playlist.
  

3 favourite songs that break my heart:

• Lie to Me - With lyrics like "if you don't love me, lie to me"...this one hurts.  I've gone back to this one numerous times during numerous heartaches.
• Only Lonely - Another one that I'm going to guess is relatively unknown for most reading this, but again, these lyrics have been felt by me in my life, and I've sung them, crying real, painful tears: "Only lonely -- I can't stop hurting you -- Only lonely -- but I can't stop loving you -- Only lonely -- so tell me babe, how much pain can you take before your heart breaks?"
• This Ain't a Love Song - A break-up song that is really a love song with lyrics that are trying to tell you/convince himself that it isn't.
  

3 songs that tell the best stories:

• Blood on Blood
• These Days
• Just Older (even though someone had spotify erred in typing the title Just Order)
  
  
  

3 hidden gems:

• Hearts Breaking Even
• Edge of a Broken Heart
• I Am 
  
  
  

3 songs from the 2000s (and later ), were released as singles and should have been bigger hits:

• Hook Me Up
• Superman Tonight
• Have a Nice Day
  

3 songs that always make me dance:

• I'll Sleep When I'm Dead
• Bad Medicine
• Blame It on the Love of Rock 'n' Roll
  

3 songs that are fun live:

• Raise Your Hands - My mother took 4 junior high girls (including me) to see a Bon Jovi concert; my mother made up her own choreography to this song; I still do that same little dance during the chorus whenever I see this song played live.
• Who Says You Can't Go Home - If you've ever been lucky enough to experience a Bon Jovi concert, you know Jon loves to lead the crowd in synchronized jazz hand movements; this song has the perfect "it's alright, it's alright" lyrics in the song for just such a moment.
• Keep The Faith - When Jon picks up the maracas, you know the bass is kicking in and there will be booty shaking.
  

3 moments personally significant for me:

• She Don't Know Me - I know exactly where I was (my friend's house) when I saw this video on MTV; I fell in love and never fell out of love.
• Lay Your Hands on Me - Jon sang to me; I was on the second row during the Crush tour, he looked directly at me, shook a jazz hand my direction, raised his eyebrows and winked as he sang "I'll lay my hands on youuuuu"; I cried.
• Hallelujah - Without a doubt, the most spine-tingling, goosebump-producing moment in all of my concert going experiences; Sydney, the Circle tour, I was in The Circle; I was going through a particularly difficult time in my life, and I was at this concert solo; Bon Jovi cover's Leonard Cohen's song; the sky opened up and poured down rain; it was beautiful, amazing moment.  This shot is from that show:
  

 

3 songs to enjoy on a Saturday night:

• Someday I'll Be Saturday Night
• Saturday Nights Gave Me Sunday Mornings
• Never Say Goodbye - No, "Saturday" isn't in the title, but I spent many, many a Saturday nights in high school cruising around listening to this song and making memories like the song details.

  

  photo by David Bergman

3 personal faves that didn't hit any categories but can't be left off my playlist:

• Born to Be My Baby
• Wild in the Streets
• In These Arms - I can never pick one favourite Bon Jovi song.  Never.  But.  If I was forced at gunpoint to choose, this would probably be the one.
  

 

Okay...if you stayed with me this long...tell me your 3 favourite Bon Jovi songs (Ericka...you can tell me more).  Or tell me if I convinced you to listen to any of these songs. Or just tell me anything.  I'll just be impressed that you stuck with me.

Most pictures were pulled from notoldjustolder.tumblr.com

Linking with Amanda for Friday Favorites:

Blogger Love vol.4

It's been awhile since I've spread some love, so let's do it, shall we?

Sanch has me anxiously awaiting a time I can join her...after all, I've been meaning to start yoga again: On cats, cat yoga and cat ladies

Ericka said what I wanted to say, but she said it better:  A Letter to Cheryl Tiegs

I'm ashamed to admit this because I try to make a better effort about these things, but I have no recollection of how I stumbled upon this post by Maria Helena, but I love it (and will probably steal the idea):  My Life Story in 6 Songs

My friend, Jenn, (she's a friend in real life that I've known for 20+ years) has a way with words.  Example:  coincidence...and the six ounces or so
She's also looking for guest bloggers this month, and I know she'd greatly appreciate you for volunteer. 

An series featuring Sydney expats hosted by Cristin:  What do people at home think about Australia?

Rebecca shared some very valuable reminders that I've seen before, but it was really well-timed for me to see again: Life lessons

Linking up with Kristen and Joey:

I show you my books, you show me yours vol.14

The dynamite duo of  Jana & Steph host this fabulous link-up and have created a community of book lovers.  Thanks friends!  I had a pretty fantastic month of reading, so let's take a look...

Books I've read since last link-up:

1.  The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi -  If you've read Khaled Hosseini's books and found them fascinating and powerful, then add this to your "to read" list. A captivating book that is both emotional and educational about two generations of Afghan women who faced hardships including abuse (physical, sexual, verbal, emotional), loss, loneliness, abandonment, betrayal, and more. If you are like me, you'll read this book, then want to go save alllllll the girls of the world that are denied opportunities and treated as inferiors for being female.  5/5

2.  Kill Your Friends by John Niven - The way that American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis is darkly hilarious, this book and narrator (an A&R rep for a British record label) are very similar.  I audibly laughed on many occasions. Filled with drugs, explicit sex (if you can't handle crass & crude descriptions of sexual acts, don't read this), women (and men) being objectified, curse words (if you can't handle a lot of C bombs, don't read this), racist and sexist remarks aplenty, greed, narcissism, and cynicism surrounding the world of music.  Inappropriate to the maximum degree, this book is appalling, yet wonderful.  Disturbing and disgusting, yet funny as hell.  NOT for everyone, but I fucking loved it.  4.5/5

3.  This House of Grief by Helen Garner - I read this for the Aussie Author Challenge, and I talk about the book in detail here. 2/5

4.  Please Don't Come Back from the Moon by Dean Bakopoulus -  I really enjoy when certain aspects of a story are left open for personal interpretation. This book has that element and so much more. There are layers of lightness and darkness, and the storytelling is both easy, yet heavy. I have no idea how to adequately review this book expect to say I loved it.  5/5

5.  Not My Father's Son by Alan Cumming - Several other people in my book challenge have read this and raved, so I had expectations of what was in store.  Alan Cumming is an example of living a childhood with violence, fear, self-doubt, and self-loathing...yet he did not let his past define him or ruin him.  He learned, grew, and came out a stronger, healthier person because of it.  A really interesting memoir of the past and present.  I need to look up his "Who Do You Think You Are?" episode... 4.5/5

6.  All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven - There are so, so, soooo many things I love about this book - Violet & Finch, "wandering", the examination of one's inner voice and how powerful that can be, the feelings of that first real love, grief, mental illness, and more. But, there was one really important aspect of the book that bothered me, and it bothered me a lot. I can't tell you what because I don't want to give anything away.  But, if you already read this book and want to chat about it, hit me up.

Currently reading:  The Winter of Frankie Machine by Don Winslow

On deck:  Alert by James Patterson, Past the Shallows by Favel Parrett, Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys

Talk to me.  Have you read any of these?  Do you want to read any of them?

Sunday's Seven Snapshots vol.63

When your cat plops down in the middle of legos like he's going to build something...

When you order a memento from home using Amazon gift cards from Christmas and realize it goes perfectly next to your heart tattoo...

When you're feeling pretty low, so you go for a walk in the sunshine...

...and you find yourself wandering around an amusement park...

...and you really want to start riding rides and forgetting about your troubles...(but you just have ice cream instead and didn't take a picture of it)

When your heart is broken over a dog you haven't seen in 7 years, but he wasn't "just a dog", and the pain and sorrow is so real...

...and you send your ex-boyfriend (who was a really important part of your life) a message of gratitude and sympathy because you know his loss is so painful...but you don't feel like it's enough to express the emotions that you're feeling. 

When your mommy bought you the greatest shoes ever (vans with kitties), you want to wear them every day. 

Then, you realize you've posted 8 snapshots instead of 7 ... Oh well. 

Thank you to all my lovely friends in the blogosphere who have sent sweet thoughts my way.  I hope you're sharing a love-filled, laughter-filled, fun-filled weekend!

Fur kids are family too

I don't know how to write this without telling a backstory.  But, that story is lengthy.  And, not one that I am capable of typing now.  So, here is a terribly condensed version.

I picked up a red merle Australian Shepherd puff ball in August 2003.  I was living in California, and my step-mother had just passed away from brain cancer.  I was in a very sad place, for a variety of reasons, and this guy brought so much love and joy into my life.  I named him Jesse James (because Jon Bon Jovi has a son named this too.)

I moved back to Texas and Jesse moved with me.  Jesse was my baby.  I've never shared a relationship with an animal like mine with Jesse James.  I had a significant other at the time.  He was an important part of Jesse's life as well. 

When I moved to Australia, leaving Jesse behind was one of the most difficult, heartbreaking decisions.  I felt like a parent abandoning her child.  The boyfriend (who was now an ex, and he was pretty heartbroken himself) had so much love for Jesse that he stepped up and took responsibility for him.  I know this person gave Jesse love, companionship, and a home that he deserved.  I am eternally grateful to him for that.  Words can't express my gratitude.

Jesse James passed away on the morning of Wednesday, the 2nd of March, 2016.  I'm shattered.  I've known for about 90 minutes.  I've been mourning his loss from my life since late 2008, but I knew he was living a happy, well-cared-for life, and that brought me comfort.  Now, I'm just mourning his loss. 

Jesse James, May 2003 - March 2016

I had just pulled up this photo for a different blog post - one of those Q&A ones - it asked about all the pets I've had - I answered including this picture and the special bond I had with this guy.

Currently... linking up: vol.2

Reading..... All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven for Book Challenge by Erin 4.0; I meant to read this all last year because I heard so many wonderful things about it; I finally started last night.

Watching...... I'm a sucker for crime shows; I record The First 48 and Homicide Hunter and watch them when I feel like tv veg time.

Listening.....  Right now, as I type this, Walk Away from Kelly Clarkson; Since she was on Idol, I've been rolling out the KC songs this week.  Did y'all see this performance of hers?  Chills.

Noticing.....  That the hair, make-up, styling, and wardrobe departments have stepped up their game from those original American Idol days to current Idol.  What is up with 3 different girls wearing those belly shirts and three different guys wearing those sleeveless shirts in Idol's past?  Fashion trends are funny.

Eating.....  macadamia nuts

Drinking.....  sparkling water

Thinking..... That there was just a little too much hype about Leonardo DiCaprio and that damn Oscar;  I mean, an 89 year old Italian composer won for Best Score, and he'd been nominated 5 other times and lost; what about his accomplishment?; He was getting a whole lot closer to being out of chances, amiright?

Wearing..... a comfortable dress...pretty much what I wear everyday to work.  (Yes, you are fortunately able to view our employee public toilets for our building block.  I'm no fashion blogger.)

Informing.... any and all of you bloggers interested in a guest post opportunity over at my friend jenn's page: quirky pickings

 

Waiting.....  for airfare prices to be reasonable;  I feel much better when I have an exact scheduled date planned for my next visit to Texas.

Wondering..... what the hell is wrong with people and why are they voting for Donald Trump?

Admitting.....  I have 15 "drafts" in my blogger account, none of which are ready to be published.  Is that a lot?  Or is that not much at all?  I see bloggers talking about scheduled posts, and I know I'm not the most organized blogger in the world, but I wonder am I doing this all wrong?  Ha.

Realizing.....  If I'm doing it all wrong (like I mentioned above), I really don't care.  I like what I do, and the friendships I've made through blogging must like me too. 

Participating.....  Show Us Your Books link-up is next week; we talk about books, and it is a wonderful day.

Loving.....  My husband; I know, I know, vomit; but, I really don't gush about him that much in this space.  He's been especially good to me lately, and I appreciate him for it.

Linking..... with Kristen and Gretchen:

  

Linking......with another couple of great gals....Kristen and Joey:

Things I wanted to be; things I did instead

You know those articles about "live the life you always dreamed of" or "are you passionate about your job?" or "if you love what you do, it doesn't feel like work"?  Well, that's all fine and good, but in my professional work career, I didn't become what I dreamed of as a kid.  Many of us don't.  Are you the teacher, the ballerina, the fireman, the police officer, the pop star that you dreamed of being?  As you can see listed below, my career dreams didn't exactly pan out. 

As a kid and/or teenager, even early adult, these are the following things that I dreamed of becoming when I grew up:

• Radio DJ - my earliest memory of a dream job
• MTV hit; then I decided "Screw radio.  I want to be a VJ."
• Fashion Designer, although I can't sew; can't even hem pants or sew on a button; can't draw either
• Talk Show Host; this was during the time period that I'd get home from school and watch Sally Jessy Raphael, Oprah, Phil Donahue, Geraldo and/or Montel Williams
• Personal Shopper - I like shopping; why not use someone else's money to do it?
• Criminal Profiler - I've read a lot of true crime in my life and watched a lot of crime story documentaries; somewhere along the way, I thought this would be a good profession for me.
• Stylist, preferably for a musician or rock band - I like clothes; I like music; makes sense.
• Rob Zombie Back Up Dancer - no lie, this is still my dream job.

What exciting things have I done with myself in the working world?  Well, here's an assortment:

• Hostess at Red Lobster - I don't like seafood; I thought if I picked a place that I didn't like the food, then I wouldn't eat it all the time; I was wrong; I devoured their cheesy bread rolls.
• Manager at a tanning salon - I looked tan & fine; let's hope I won't regret it with melanoma later on
• Waitress - everyone should have to work as waitstaff at some point in their life
• Manager of retail clothing store - a couple of different clothing stores actually
• Caseworker at a juvenile prison - Sociology degree in tow; if I could have made a decent amount of money doing this, I would have continued; Also, if I hadn't been the subject of an assault plot as a gang initiation, I would have continued as well.  (plot - it didn't happen - fortunately - the facility I worked at had a terrible amount of assaults on staff)
• Jack-of-all-trades in building materials world: credit manager, inside sales, outside sales, product manager, purchasing agent, roofing specialist, assistant manager - oh yeah, glamorous stuff, but I met a lot of good people in this industry.
• Jewelry sales extraordinaire + marketing too + small business owner - my guy and I make a pretty great team, except we aren't making the money we'd like, so maybe a better way to say it is we are compatible, supportive, bounce ideas off each other, know what the other's thinking, but not financially lucrative kind of team.

So, Mr. Rob Zombie, if you're reading this, I'm still waiting for that call to audition. 

 

Are you living your career dream?  What did you want to be?  What have you become?