Dear Frank

I think my blog is a graduated diary. I never liked diaries, though I had a neon-colored one with a unicorn on it in my youth. Every journal I own is blank, or filled with scribbles of good intentioned thoughts that disappear by the stroke of my marker after a few minutes.

If I did own a diary it would probably sound more grown up. I would discuss the economy and the rising gas prices. I would have to name it of course, that way instead of saying "Dear Diary" I could write "Dear Frank".

Dear Frank,

My co-worker's party invitation for me must have gotten lost in the mail again.

xoxo,

Deb

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I've returned to Kroger. I like it so much more this time around. I still work in Seafood but I have a new happiness this time. Perhaps I'm just a gluten for steamed-shrimp punishment. It's not likely that all my co-workers feel the same way, but I love each one of them.

I find that I even like the customers a little more now. A few weeks ago I was stocking the shelves with crab meat when a lady came up to me asking for advice on cocktail sauce. After I gave her my opinion on the best buy, she looked up at me and asked if I was a Christian. When I answered her that I am, she tearfully looked up at me and asked if I would please pray for her daughter who was dying of cancer. Her daughters name is Mary. Please pray too.

Grocery stores seem to be breeding grounds for the lonesome. They're often the only stores open past ten. I remember when I would walk around the local Food Lion or Wal-Mart because I was too lonely stop my racing mind and sleep. I wonder at times how many others are there because they have no other place to go.

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I'm pulling an Alex Skidmore blogging style with all these lines between my random thoughts.

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Upcoming Events: July 13th Bob Dylan in concert. July 16-21 NC (Bojangles here I come.)

xoxo,

Deb

Ch-ch-ch-changes.

New "favorite" things coming soon! Full with new photos and explanations. And by soon I mean later tonight if I feel up to it.

Albums That Changed My Life (A Little Late)

Bob Dylan - "Bringing it All Back Home" My last year in Haiti I discovered this little gem and "Never Looked Back" (Dylan fans will get that.) This album made me fall in love with the art of songwriting, and it was the first time I picked up the guitar. It's my favorite album, and it changed my life the most.

Death Cab for Cutie - "Photo Album" It seems like I listened to this album on every drive back from the beach. Whenever I hear beach sounds, or have a sunburn I also hear songs from Photo Album playing in my head.

Bob Dylan - "Modern Times" My Bob Dylan obsession suddenly stopped with this album. Not that this album wasn't good, it was great. I just finally saw him as a normal artist again. I remember cruising in Wilmington, N.C. with this blasting in my Saab. Right before it would die.

Hopefully a new artist will impress me soon, but for now I'm happy with the "life changing" albums I have.

Justice in New Life

Fresh eyes, and a new life.

I know I would choose you again.

New souls, and new bodies.

Please let me be apart of your plans.

I was born to love of you.

New friends, and new families.

New loves, and new heartaches.

You are my best friend,

You'll love me no matter what it takes.

I was born to run to you.

I swam across lake Geneva.

Cold wind on my back.

If I should grow weary

I think of you on the shoreline.

One look, in your eyes

And I know you're same in death as in life.

I was born to die with you.

Just Like I Said

Lord let me die in my tracks.

Slay me where I stand.

Do not give me the time to look back.

And reflect on what a waste this life has been.

You can put me any where you want to.

I cannot move.

Lord, let me die in my tracks.

A weary son, who was once a man.

Update

Yesss. I finally have an excuse to update .. oh never? So, Christmas day or so my loving cat Franklin, dumped a glass of water all over my computer. I can't use it anymore. That being said, I'm at the library. I could update from my iphone, but a that's just rediculas.

Here is what's new in my life.

New Job! Woo. I work for Tolle Lege Press (reformationbookstore.com) & Pack and Ship. .. Actually I don't know the name. That's sad. They have like 20 million different names though. I just know I do a lot of paper work. Also, I help spread Good Republican Cheer all around the Nation (partiotdepot.com) So, go ahead, order a few hundred "Palin 2012/Keep the Change" stickers and I'll pack them right up for you. Well, I'll probably just do the paperwork.

School! Yeah, I'm finally in school at Fairmont University. I love my World History II teacher. He has to have some sort of voice disorder, because he talks very loudly. (And a little bit softer now, and a little bit softer now.) He's a Vietnam veteran and has already told us he expects 15 papers out of us by the end of this term in addition the the other papers, quizzes, test, exams, and volunteer work he has planned for us.

Well, I think that's about all that's changed in my life. See you next year, when I determine the best albums of 2009!

Top Albums of 2008

10. Ray LaMontagne - Gossip in the Grain: I really don't think this album is that great. I just needed a number 10. Don't get my wrong, I love RaycharlesLamontagne but I wasn't super impressed with this album. 

9. Bob Dylan - Tell Tale Signs: At first I told myself that I wouldn’t put this album on my list. I thought if I added it to my top 10 list, I would be doing it because I’m biased and love Bob Dylan. I’ve grown to love this album more and more over the months, and now and can add it to my list because I believe it truly is one of the best albums of this year. You have to know you’re gold when you can put an album together full of your “old thrown out songs” and it still be a classic. Best song of the album is “Dreamin’ of You” 

8. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (Death & All His Friends): I enjoyed this album, but I would love to beg Coldplay to never make another music video for this album, or at least fire their current video producer. I mean have you seen Viva la Vida’s video ... it leaves me a bad speechless. My favorite song is “Violet Hill” because of the beautiful piano part at the end. 

7. Jon Foreman - Spring: I feel like a fake Foreman fan, because I never liked Switchfoot but really enjoy his solo works. My favorite song off the album is “In My Arms.” 

6. The Weepies - Hideaway: I’ve grown to love the Weepies more and more as 2008 comes to a close. I think their lyrics and melodies are beautiful. By far, they are the best husband and wife duo that I’ve heard. My favorite songs are “Antarctica” and “How You Survived the War.” 

5. Radiohead - In Rainbows: Technically this album came out January 1st. Also, I didn’t get it until February so it counts. “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi” tops my favorites list. I can’t listen to this album without thinking of being in Haiti last Christmas. 

4. RuRu - Elizabeth: This is RuRu’s debut album, and it sounds like he’s been writing for 30 years. His cd is constantly in my car’s cd player. I adore the songs “West Virginia,” “Excuse,” and “House of Cards.” 

3. Ryan Adams & the Cardinals - Cardinology: This is by far the most played album of this year. I sadly know how to do all the guitar parts (with my mouth - I can’t play the guitar that well.) My Cardinology addictions are "Fix It" and "Sink Ships." 

2. Joshua James - The Sun is Always Brighter: I might be jumping the gun a little with these last two picks. I’ve only been listening to them for maybe 2 weeks. I think this album is absolutely beautiful and is perfect to listen to in this chilly winter weather. My favorite picks are “Dangerous” and “Winter Storm.”

1. Josh Garrels - Jacaranda: My brother John introduced me to this guy a couple of weeks ago and I’m so glad he did! Josh Garrels comes from Waxhaw, NC and has produced the most beautiful cd I’ve heard all year. His words make sense and hold great conviction, which is not a common thing among musicians these days. It's hard to pick a favorite song, but I love "Don't Wait for Me." 

Check out these people for some different opinions: Gabe and Luis.  

That’s my 2008 best albums list. Now, I encourage you to leave your list on my comments.... oh come on. Merry Christmas.