Saturday, August 30, 2008

What Can I do...I'm A Product of the 80's

I spent a little time yesterday putting together some workout music. I love good rhythm and usually can't sit still when I hear one. Ask my husband. We chaperone the dances at the high school, and it is torture to just stand there, looking cool (don't get me wrong, the last thing I would want is to be Mr. & Mrs. Jensen, the fox-trotting uber-chaperones). It takes all my focus to just stand and tap my toe... Once, though, the theme for prom was something that allowed music from different eras and the kids had learned some of the dances, so I got to swing, waltz, and cha cha to a live band, all in good fun. The kids seemed to appreciate that, and my B was a good sport, and a good partner. But could we just go out there and get down with our bad selves? NO! No, no, no.
But what is a girl like me supposed to do? I was born too late for disco, and too early for mosh pits. Thank heaven. I grew up with Madonna, Bon Jovi, U2, Erasure, INXS, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Def Leppard, etc., etc... There were good bands in the 90's, but I felt like the nation forgot to dance. Seal, Janet Jackson, Savage Garden, Smashmouth, Matchbox 20, and most of those mentioned earlier, arguably kept it going though. I noticed the kids, instead of dancing, would just jump up and down with their hands in the air. Like they were at a concert. Hmmm. It bothered me, and I thought, "Am I old?" Nawww. I was in my 20's in the nineties! It's better now. But I am not in my 20's anymore.
So, I rock out in my car. I tap out the drums and sing, and play air guitar on my seatbelt. I try to be subtle. If Chels is driving and I am in the passenger seat, or the whole fam is in the car, though, it is not so subtle, and we have too much fun. Hooray for satellite radio. My sister and I grinning from ear to ear, flying down the highway to a farmers market, listening and rocking out as our parents giggle at us from the back seat. Last summer, people.
And I dance at home. In the kitchen while I cook, in the family room as I put away laundry, right here by the computer if a great song hits just right and my kids are up for some dance practice.
What do I listen to now, when I want to move (exercise, clean the house, drive my kids all over town)? I dare you to listen and not move (press pause on My Playlist on the right). I could seriously just keep walking as I listen... 3 miles? Piece of cake.
And, this does have it's place. Quiet, restful, peaceful music is appreciated...Josh Grobin, Nora Jones, classical piano, my country music, inspirational compositions all have their turn. The music I choose for this blog is upbeat, positive thinking, and usually has something to do with my posts. It is music I love.
When I want to move, get stuff done, smile at myself, I hit this stuff.


5 comments:

Gramma Spice said...

Whenever I hear some of those 80's tunes, I smile and see my girls rocking out! :) I want a copy of your music to exercise with, Kris! Please!!!

Shelli said...

I'm with ya! Love and feel that music. OH MAN, I just went to Push by Matchbox 20 - never have heard the acoustic version, but it made my insides flip and I'm in love with Rob all over again. :)

Jennifer said...

Okay, so I love, love your music. I found myself putting it on to listen to while I surfed the blogspots. I didn't hear any songs that I didn't like, so thanks!

Mister Mogle said...

Nice mention of Def Lep, but no Night Ranger?? They were correct in pointing out that "You Can Still Rock in America." Hey is the birthday shoutout for this month for me? I was trying to think if it was an Andy that I knew.

Krista said...

Yes, the birthday shout-out was for you... I know it i is in August, but I haven't changed it to September yet! I really didn't like NR much (I know, sorry!), but my husband loves them. I do like remembering how Bro. Black would sing, "Sister Krista, oh..." whenever he saw me. That was fun. Good to hear from you!