Seven Songs From Seven Eighties Movie Soundtracks

Friday again!  A happy one to all!

Today I have Herc again with an 80s film themed music post.  He is an 80s expert and as you know he knows a thing or two about music as well.  Let him educate you today!


7 Songs From Eighties Movie Soundtracks
[part of ongoing series 7 Song Playlists]

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST
“Goodbye, Goodbye” - Oingo Boingo from Fast Times At Ridgemont High
A frantic, manic and rollicking number from Danny Elfman and his gang of merry men. Check out that speed rap breakdown a little over two minutes in. If you’ve never oingo’d nor boingo’d and only know Elfman from his prolific soundtrack work on the films of Tim Burton and others, Herc has provided you a few choice cuts on this article’s accompanying Spotify playlist.

“Tonight Is What It Means To Be Young” - Fire, Inc. from Streets Of Fire
It’s a Jim Steinman penned mini-opera, one of two that bookend the movie. That’s not Diane Lane singing, though. Steinman recorded it with his stable of session people but the boys in the band (“the Attackers”) on film are actually the group Face To Face who had a couple of small hits of their own later that same year: “10-9-8” and “Under The Gun”.

“Only You” - Yaz from Can’t Hardly Wait
Depeche Mode, Yazoo (“Yaz” to us Yanks) and Erasure - that’s Vince Clarke’s resume. The keyboardist/songwriter was a founding member of DM, left to form Yazoo and then recruited vocalist Alison Moyet sound-alike Andy Bell to form Erasure. This song is one of his greatest works, a simple, beautiful melody coupled with heartfelt vocals from Ms. Moyet. (The YouTube link is to Herc’s favorite performance - unfortunately, Vince Clarke is not playing.)

“Ring Me Up” - Divinyls from Sixteen Candles
Back before Al Gore invented the interwebtubes, it was possible not to know what the name of a song was for years after you heard it. You could spend hours at the library (anyone remember those?) but if you were really lucky, someone would call in and request it by name on your favorite radio station. This was one such song for Herc - it took six years before he dropped the needle on this record, the band’s 1983 debut and realized it was what he had been looking for. (If you don’t recognize it from the opening notes then get thee to a TV and break out that DVD copy of Sixteen Candles.) Eight years later, the band would achieve one-hit wonder status with “I Touch Myself”.

“Danger Zone” - Kenny Loggins from Top Gun
Loggins - Mr. 80s Soundtrack to you - was actually the third choice to record this song: first choice Bryan Adams refused to as a Canadian/conscientious objector and Toto were not allowed to for “legal reasons” which is usually code for record company greed. Quick! Name two other awesome 80s soundtrack songs by our boy Kenny who is also known as the patron saint of “yacht rock”. Tick-tock. If you answered “I’m Alright” from Caddyshack and “Footloose” from Footloose, you win. Yay you!

“Relax” - Frankie Goes To Hollywood from Body Double
No, the song is currently not available on Spotify in any of it’s over bazillion remixes and versions by Frankie Goes To Hollywood. Yes, it caused quite a stir back in the day and was banned from the public airwaves in their homeland. Yes, it is a great dance song - another Trevor Horn production - although the band performed it on TV in a much different style before he signed them. Yes, Herc saw the band in concert way back when and still has his original “Frankie Say...” shirt. Guess what song was played in it’s entirety when the lights went out just before the band took the stage? “Planet Claire” by the B-52’s. No, that song is not yet on Spotify either. Must be “legal reasons”.

“Tender Years” - John Cafferty & the Beaver Brown Band from Eddie & the Cruisers
The movie bombed (only $4.7M) at the box office and was subsequently pulled after only three weeks. The soundtrack died quietly with it in September 1983. Then it showed up on HBO the next year and radio stations were flooded with requests for two songs: “Tender Years” and “On The Dark Side”. The record company re-released the soundtrack and watched it sell more than four million copies almost a year after it’s original release. The bigger hit, Number One actually, was “On the Dark Side” but Herc has a soft spot in his heart for this one despite the fact that John Cafferty openly mimics Bruce Springsteen musically and in the way he dressed.


SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

BONUS PLAYLIST!!! If you didn’t find it, look in the “Danger Zone”!

Seven Household To-Dos

Hey!

Welcome back and thank you for reading! 

I've owned my house for almost 16 months now, it feels like forever and nothing all at the same time.  When I think back on all of the projects and renovations I get overwhelmed.  I have no idea what possessed me to be so crazy and do all of these things with no experience.

Then I had to sit back and let the pros come in and do a few things.  Now I am saving money to enable my current list of projects.

I am putting it out here for the world to see for one reason, if I put it out there, I'm accountable.  Take a look!

Seven Things On My Household To-Do List

• Hot Water Heater - Sounds like a silly thing to be at the top of my list huh?  Well mine is living on borrowed time currently and is probably very inefficient.  Also, the water shut off valves here are so corroded and rusted out that if I ever did have a problem, I wouldn't be able to shut the water off.  They came like that and I've been putting off getting them fixed.  My ETA for this project is Dec 2011 or Jan 2012. 
• Water Softener - This is a necessity in the Southwest.  If you have ever lived in or stayed in a house that has one, you can tell the difference.  You laundry is softer, your hair is softer, your dishes are cleaner and have less spots, your shower is much easier to clean and maintain and so on.  I can't wait to have mine installed.  Too bad it costs double what it should since I have mystery pipes in my front yard that have to be cut down and routed to my garage to allow for the soft water loop at all.  This has been coupled with the heater project and I'm saving for them jointly.  Same ETA.
• Dishwasher - The one I have is the cheapest builder grade and I'm not sure it even works sometimes.  It sounds like a freight train when it tries to clean my dishes too, and I'm not crazy about that.  This will be my next fun purchase after I do the mundane water heater/softener because without these two appliances, my new dishwasher won't be operating at its finest!  My ETA on a new dishwasher is before next summer, so May 2012.
• Irrigation - I am lucky to have a high quality irrigation system through my entire landscaping.  front and back yard, grass, bushes and trees all have water coming to them.  Over the year I've noticed it acts up and needs a tune up.  I am no irrigation pro, so I hope I could learn a little more about it when I find someone to come check it out.  This is something I have been delaying for a while and I'm sure my yellow grass is due to my laziness and I'm sure I could avoid using so much water if I just got it fixed and running right.  My ETA is soon.  Very soon.  If not, then by May 2012. 
• Carpet - This is something that has been on my list for several months now.  My house has a good amount of carpet and I want it ALL GONE.  There used to be a cat in residence before I bought this house and I believe the carpet pads are destroyed because of it.  I ripped up all the carpet in my big closet and laid down laminate wood floor and I love it.  I have sudden urges to do that to the rest of the carpet too, but then I would be stuck with bare concrete in the upcoming winter because I can't afford laminate for all the other areas just yet.  What a vicious cycle.  ETA: This is on my five year plan.
• Bathroom - I did a major update on the guest bathroom in my house not too long after I bought it.  Tiled the shower, refinished the vanity and new hardware all around.  My poor master bath is feeling neglected.  It is huge and an awkward layout.  I hope to make use of all the angles and height someday as well as add a skylight of some sort since no natural light gets into that space at all.  I want to turn the tub/shower into a shower with glass doors and nice tile.  My first bathroom renovation taught me how much time and money this takes, so this is another five year plan item.  Sad Face.
• Kitchen - Everyone I know wants something done to their kitchen.  Mine is no exception.  I am a culinary professional by trade, so I want the best of course which catapults this into the ten year plan, realistically.  Unless I win the lottery. 

That's my list guys.  It screams $$$$$$$ to me.  So I'm off to work to go fund my addiction projects! Do you have any projects you want to tackle?  Do you have any projects you want to pay me to tackle for you?!  Comment away!

Seven Pastry Pairs

I work in pastry.  Now you know.

I've been doing it for six years professionally and several more as a hobby.

In the 'biz I've followed the trends closely and have my own opinions on these things.  Ask me about cupcakes, whoopie pies and macaroons another time, when we both have plenty of free time!

Any pastry professional I have ever met has a style.  I never thought I had my own style until recently.  As in the last year.  Without spilling all of my secrets all over the web, I want to share with you some of my favorite things.  Today I want to tell you my seven favorite pastry pairs, NOT pears.  Shall we?


Seven Favorite Pastry Pairs

• Apples & Cinnamon These two are the ultimate Batman and Robin in the entire world, sweet and savory.  The earthy cinnamon is the perfect Robin.  Always there when you need it, always doing his job well, never thanked but always missed in his absence.  The Batman apples just have to show up to the party because once again, Robin is doing all the work.  Perfect Example: Apple Pie.
• Salt & Caramel This combination is relatively new but not surprising at all.  I love salt.  No secret there, I am a red blooded American, we all love salt and our health issues can prove that!  Caramel and I go way back and our bond will never be broken.  I would prefer to bathe in caramel sauce because I feel like its the perfect replacement for water/soap/lotion.  Also if it got into your mouth by accident it wouldn't need to be spit out like soap.  Perfect Example: Soft caramel candies with a hearty sprinkle of sea salt.
• Dark Chocolate & Mint This combination has never ever let me down.  Good chocolate, bad chocolate, real mint and fake mint it always works.  Something about it just takes me to my happy place.  I don't need the bright green color, but it helps.  Ice cream is a prime example and I devour it by the gallon, thanks Blue Bell and Sweet Republic!  Perfect Example: Thin Mints.
• Lemon & Blueberry I have a confession: I am not a big fan of raw blueberries.  I know, I know.  BUT! As soon as you cook them down or bake them into something else they are my jam!  Combined with the tart freshness of a lemon its the perfect 1,2 punch.  Also happens to naturally make the most beautiful colors.  Perfect Example: Lemon cheesecake with blueberry compote.
• Vanilla & Raspberry Vanilla is my drug.  I know it sounds boring and just plain vanilla, but its so complex.  Vanilla beans have distinct notes and qualities much like wine varietals and chocolate origins.  I am very partial to ANYTHING with vanilla beans in it but when you put a tart raspberry element anywhere near that vanilla bean laden creation, I proceed to a comatose state of awesome overload.  Perfect Example:  Vanilla bean creme brulee with fresh raspberries. 
• Pumpkin & Brown Sugar  Seeing as how fall is approaching you may think this is a seasonal selection.  Guess again.  I appreciate pumpkin year round and many thanks to Libby for making that happen!  Pumpkin can be made into anything and is pretty tasty with all the spices that come with it, you really can't mess it up.  However, if you add brown sugar it kicks it up and makes a special treat even more special.  Perfect example: Pumpkin pie with brown sugar whipped cream. 
• Strawberries & Peppercorn  This is another not so normal combo.  Combining the best berry ever with a savory peppercorn sounds silly.  I know.  When done correctly with good pepper and perfect summer berries this combo is a version of my own personal nirvana.  Perfect Example: strawberry shortcake infused with peppercorns. 

My runner up is peanut butter and chocolate.  Trust me, I won't sleep well having left them off this list today but I can't help how I feel in this minute!  Please forgive me peanut butter gods!

I bet there's more than just a few banana peanut butter lovers out there, too.  Sorry.  

Seven Reasons I DESPISE Bananas

Hoy es Martes!

That's "Today is Tuesday" for you non-Spanish speakers.  Don't tell me I never taught you anything.  Now you know.

Remember back when I started this little blog? For those that don't have 7 w/D's birthday in your planners like me, it was June 30, 2011.  That was:

2955 page views ago...(holy sh*t!)

158 human written comments ago...(lots of spam, like 40 or so)

88 posts ago...(longest streak I have ever attained - yay!)

3 followers ago...(actual subscribed followers...)

All that time ago, I wrote the first post and promised you seven different sevens.  I recently checked in on that first post and evaluated myself.  SPOILER ALERT: I am not doing very well!  Take a look at the initial seven, I've crossed out my accomplished topics...

• Seven Reasons I Despise Bananas
• Seven Ways To Avoid Having A Social Life
• Seven Arguments For Boxed Brownie Mix (...from a pastry chef)
• Seven Television Shows You Must See & Why
• Sevyn Reasons Why My Name Is Better Than Yours ('cause it is...)
• Seven Things I Would Rather Do Than Watch/Listen To Rachel Ray
• Seven Reasons Not To Buy A House (maybe a point/counterpoint piece)

...yeaahhhh...

88 entries later I have ignored 6/7 topics that I promised to write!  I have claimed to have nothing to write about to my family and friends.  I now freely admit that I AM A LIAR.  I aim to fix this.  Some of these topics are kind of silly and not in the direction I want to take the blog, but I refuse to break my promise to the entire interwebs. 

Did you see that I wrote the fifth bullet point as Sevyn with a Y?  I am so clever.  I just amazed myself.  I'm awesome and way too obsessed with my own name.  Thanks a lot Ma and Pa, you created a legend monster.

In the spirit of keeping my promise, I want to tell you about my disdain of that yellow fruit.  I'd like to warn you, if you have never heard this rant in person, you are in for a treat.  I am very passionate about my hatred for this yellow "fruit".  I don't know why I hate them so.  I don't know when I started hating them so(used to like them as a kid) but I don't see that going away any time soon.  Last food around?  I'll starve thanks. 

image from here

Seven Reasons I DESPISE Bananas

• That damn peel & its stupid strings! You know what I mean.  What other fruit has a peel that is useless?  Oranges(citrus) have peels, but they are full of delicious essential oils and that magical zest that we use in everything to make it better.  Most other fruits have skins that aren't so damn nasty.  Just look at the picture, the peel is in full view and is just really gross looking.  Where do the strings come into play?  Why do they need to be there?  They ruin banana foods.  Yes, despite my supreme hatred of bananas I still cook with them and can respect their delicious factor to people other than myself.  But the strings bother me so bad, they get in between my fingers when I'm trying to chop a million bananas up at work and its not a pretty situation.  Ask all my coworkers, there is generally profanity and a colorful spread of it.  
• What the FRAK is up with the slime factor?  No seriously, can somebody explain this to me?  Open up a banana and its pretty dry(not wet?).  Then as it sits or as you handle it while cooking it or like when a kid manhandles it, it gets so so SO slimy.  Knives get this residue all over them and it takes some real elbow grease to get rid of.  Its nasty.  Slime + Strings = Worst.Combination. Ever.  I can't even talk about it anymore, I'm getting too worked up about it. 
• No need for all the colors, Mr. Banana.  They start off green and then morph into the yellow bananas people enjoy.  Next they start to take on freckles and people still like them.  The freckles take over the bananas and turn them completely brown.  This is where you make banana bread or banana muffins or just throw them away.  If you let them continue down their chosen path they will be black before they take on the various colors of mold.  Why do they have to be so fancy and flaunt all these colors and stages?  They are rude and boisterous and I hate them for it.
• Why so mushy?  I like apples and pears and peaches and they all have some texture and structure to them.  Oranges have the little bits that hold it all together which provides this texture variation.  Grapes, melons, and even berries all have something to them you know? You can eat bananas with no teeth.  I like my teeth, they have cost me (and my parents) a fair chunk of money, so can you blame me for wanting to use them to eat???
  
• The smell that lingers.  My coworkers and roommates laugh at me because I can ALWAYS tell when bananas have been used.  Even if they are put away and cleaned up after, I can tell.  Without seeing them in the garbage or seeing it crossed off the list I can smell tell.  Baking banana bread really lingers too but I'll tell you why I can't hate that and its all my grandma's fault.  She makes banana bread for as long as I can remember.  Its nothing fancy with nuts or anything.  Just bananas and a quick-bread recipe.  It has a texture that I love and spreading butter all over it makes it so supreme.  It is the ONE banana infested item that I can eat and not want to spit out.  Its a really simple treat but rooted so deep in my memories that I will always enjoy it.  Funny how that works, huh?
• All of the artificial banana flavored/scented goods in the entire WORLD.  Candies, candles, air fresheners, fluorides, scratch and sniffs, beverages, etc.  You can get banana ANYTHING.  They all suck.  They don't taste like banana, they smell so fake it makes me sick, and they are no bueno.  You know how upset the smell of real bananas make me?  This turns me into the incredible HULK. 
• Taste. I taste any food I make with bananas and every once in a while (every year or two) I try a raw banana to check if anything has changed.  It never changes.  They just don't taste good to me.  Guess what, that's my prerogative as an American: I can hate bananas for no reason(except I clearly have seven).  And so I do.  

If you've stuck around this long, on my longest post EVER, please pat yourself on the back.  You deserve that pat, ya'll.  Anyone wanna fight me on this?  Anybody have any other completely rational hatred towards inanimate objects?

Seven Songs That Peaked At #7

Guess what, I really like sevens.  Its been a thing my whole life.

When I was an athelete, I tried to always be number 7.  Sometimes I was 14 cause it was seven times two.  I also like math.  Nerd Alert.

Its Monday and you know what that means, right?  Herc is here with another installment of Music Mondays.  He's onto my love of sevens and has maxed it out in this post.  Check it!

Seven Songs That Only Peaked At #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Charts

(part of an ongoing series 7 Song Playlists)


“We’re #7! We’re #7!”
These songs reached their chart peak a mere six positions away from the pinnacle. They were the little engines that couldn’t. In an alternate universe, these shoulda-woulda-couldas … oh never mind, here they are:


“Beth” - Kiss (1976)


Long before those Glee-ful dudes re-introduced this ballad to your earholes, it originally languished as the b-side of “Detroit Rock City”, a rocking little ditty inspired by a fan killed in an auto accident on his way to a KISS concert, although this doesn’t make much sense until you hear the full length album version on Destroyer. Legend has it that a radio DJ somewhere flipped the record over and the phones lit up. Drummer Peter Criss co-wrote the song before he joined KISS and the woman’s name originally used was “Beck”, short for Becky. When performing this song in concert, Criss sang to a taped backing track while the other members took a breather backstage, probably reapplying their make-up and snapping Polaroids. I never would have guessed it but “Beth” is KISS’s highest charting single. (Yeah, yeah I know they are an album band. Whatevs.) Anyway, once Peter Criss was sacked and Eric Carr, The Fox, was brought in to take his place behind the skins, the band had the kabuki face painted stones to re-record and perform the song with his vocals. For me, the definitive Criss version is his lip-synched performance on Paul Lynde’s Halloween Special way back in 1976. The show is available on DVD and is notable for featuring KISS, Betty White, Tim Conway, Billy Barty and Donny & Marie Osmond amongst others. Truly, a once-in-a-lifetime gathering.

“Wanted Dead Or Alive” - Bon Jovi (1987)


Rock stars as cowboys. This song, like almost every other Bon Jovi song, encourages the listener to sing along at the top of his or her lungs. And with it’s echoing vocal style, this song has also inspired more dude duets than Hall & Oates ever did. Righteous. I might add that it has been my personal experience, after attending three Bon Jovi concerts in the late 1980s, that some of Bon Jovi’s female fans have some pretty spectacular ... “lungs”.


“Welcome To The Jungle” - Guns N Roses (1988)


In a drunken stupor, Axl Rose thought he was Balloo in The Jungle Book and wrote an epic dream song about it. Not really. Some people claim that the first songwriting collaboration between Axl and Slash is the greatest hard rock song of all time. Maybe it is or maybe it isn’t but this wailing piece of a hard rock cautionary tale pulled no punches in depicting the horrors that awaited big-eyed dreamers as they stepped off the bus that brought them from their podunk towns and hicksvilles to the big bad city. Should have brought knee pads, hayseeds. (“It’s gonna bring you to your knees!”) And flame retardant pajamas. (“You’re gonna burn!”) Does anyone else want a doormat with this song title on it? That would be so cool.


“Bust A Move” - Young MC (1989)


Young MC (not his birth name I’m guessing) was a college student at USC when he wrote three songs that would enable him to drop out of school and travel the world: “Bust A Move” for himself and two monster hits for Tone-Loc, “Wild Thing” and “Funky Cold Medina”. But Young MC stayed in school and got his degree, kids, so let that be a lesson for you. No matter how many rap hits you write, you should always finish what you start. And own your publishing, that’s where the money is. That and merch. Though technically no longer “young”, Mr. MC continues to write and perform to this day.


“7” - Prince (1993)


Not the best song Prince ever wrote, performed, recorded or released. Not even close. And then he released a bajillion remixes and edits of it. The video was a mess and I think he might have been using that symbol as his name at the time which didn’t help his case. No wait, the album’s title was that unpronounceable symbol. But it’s pretty cool that a song titled “7” only made to #7 on the charts, ain’t it?


“Barbie Girl” - Aqua (1997)

This was Devyn’s favorite song for a while back in the day. She even had the cassette single or “cass-ingle”. I wonder if it’s still her jam? The song regularly shows up on two all-time lists: One Hit Wonders and Worst Songs Ever. While they were initially litigious, taking their case all the way to the Supreme Court before being advised to “chill”, Barbie maker Mattel later used a lyrically modified version of the song in their ads.


“Higher” - Creed (2000)


Oh sweet irony that a song entitled “Higher” could not make it any higher than #7. Before they became a punchline, this bombastic anthem about lucid dreaming was their first charted single and Creed performed it on the rooftop of a Las Vegas casino (The Rio!) for some music awards show so that they were higher than the other acts. Unless Snoop was there.

Seven Characters From The Lion King

Hey you, how are you? 

Thank you for reading, I appreciate it very much.  Keep comin' back!


So, The Lion King is in theaters again.  This means you should stop reading this right now and go catch it on the big screen.

A major favorite of mine my whole childhood and still a movie I watch pretty often.  I've never met anyone who doesn't like this movie.  There are so many levels and it appeals to all people in one way or another.

I saw it today, guys.  It was amazing.  Honestly,  I had almost no expectations and it blew my mind.  A movie whose characters graced my bedsheets as a kid, it should be good, right?  Yep, it was good.  It was so good it was GREAT.  Its only on for another week so go check it out while you have the chance. 

The chance to see it on the big screen is worth the ten bucks it might cost.  So very worth it, ya'll.  I can't even put into words how it made me feel (obviously).  So I'm gonna tell you about my favorite characters and hope the words come to me.

Seven Favorite Characters From The Lion King

• Rafiki.  Easily my favorite character by FAR.  Such a crazy dude, I wanted one when I was younger and want to be like him now.  He was a respected character and in with the right people.  He somehow knew that Simba was alive at the exact moment they needed him the most and he motivated that stubborn lion to return to his home and destiny.  Also his crazy songs and dancing make me feel a little better about myself when I'm home alone. 
• Timon.  To me as a kid I was so very annoyed with him and his voice.  As I grew up I learned to love and appreciate Nathan Lane's amazing vocal abilities.  He's a wiseguy and a true wise guy.  Also he's friends with Pumba so he can't be too bad, right?
• Pumba.  I love this guy!  I love when he sings "I'm a sensitive soul though I seem thick skinned" because it pretty much sums me up.  Also that's like the best song to belt when you are in the car.  Or shower.  Or semi empty movie theater as a 24 year old. 
• Simba.  Most adorable lion cub, turns into a cute lion kid who then runs away.  Then he meets two awesome creatures.  He avoids his past(who hasn't).  Eventually he goes back to his destiny and real life.  He also gets the girl and the handsome lion looks.  Go Simba!
• Nala.  Easily the most awesome lioness ever.  She kicked Simba-cub's butt when they were kids.  She kicked his butt again when he was Simba-man.  I love me a strong woman.
• Mufasa.  Do I need to tell you why he's awesome?  He is Mufasa!  DUH!
• Scar. Bad, bad lion.  Clever, evil man.  I admire some great creativity and smart leadership over the masses.  Is that wrong?  So sue me.

Who are your favorite characters from The Lion King? That bird thing?  Wished it had flew in front of my windshield.  Said it.  Meant it. 

Seven Yesterday (Friday) Happenings

Saturday.

I like to work on the weekends. Isn't that weird?

While I'm at work today, I want to share a seven part story.

Its my day off (Friday) told in the 7w/D format...I just ran with an idea.   

I'm trying something new here.  Let me know what you think.  It also brings the intro of a new tag: "TMI".  I'm excited. 

Seven Friday Happenings (in order of AWESOMEness):

7.  I took a shower. It was a normal shower.  Nothing special to report here, but I did exit my wet washing into a clean fresh from the dryer towel.  That took a mundane shower to the awesome level.  I have never loved a dryer more than I loved it yesterday, and you will soon see why.

6.  I cleaned my entire bathroom/closet/bedroom area.  If you have ever been to my house, you'd know that this is a single unit.  Behind door #1 is my bedroom AND door #2.  Behind door #2 is my bathroom(pun completely intended) AND door #3.  Behind door #3 is my entire shoe collection AND the rest of my closet.  I can't just clean my closet and skip the rest or just my bathroom.  It is a group event.  And it is a great feeling once its all clean and sparkly.

5.  I paid bills.  This is normally nowhere near my awesome meter.  It usually falls under the "grumble grumble" category.  However, dear readers, for the first time since summer began, I have money to spare.  To my infamous "water fund" it goes!  Water Softener or BUST!  In case you were wondering my next home improvement project is water.  New water heater plus valves and junk there, capping old irrigation lines in my front yard, installing a water softener loop and actual softener.  There is a lot of little things that I am doing here too but I don't want to bore you.  Then I can start having fun again, like buying a dishwasher!

4.  I had french toast sticks for breakfast.  As some may know, I am off of fast food, soda, cereal and general deliciousness.  I have embarked on a healthier lifestyle.  I feel great because of it, my wallet is much happier, and my scale is very confused.  Yesterday on a whim I had french toast sticks from the BK Lounge.  I expected an awful surprise, since its been so long.  Guess what? They ruled. 

3.  I washed my pillows and my pillow top mattress cover.  Fluffy things that had gone flat made me sad.  I could clearly see where my body was and where i liked to lay my (pretty) head to rest.  So I washed them.  Then I dried them in my dryer that I love.  They are downy fresh now and I am happier than I should be over this.

2.  I washed my sheets!  Easily the best thing I did all day, right?  Guess again.  I figured out I need a second set of sheets.  Its on my list.  Until then I have to wash and remake my bed over the course of the day.  Yesterday with washing the other stuff too, it took ALL DAY.  I had to make my bed before I could crawl into it when I wanted.  But the smell, the fluff factor and the general cleanliness was completely worth it.  I should have paid myself, it was that good.  Where's my checkbook?

1.  I replaced my roll of toilet paper.  This is another one that sounds stupid and misplaced on this list.  But it is absolutely where it needs to be.  Let me explain.  I used the restroom earlier in the day before I cleaned it and noticed the roll was getting low.  Usually that is the last stop for that train.  NOT YESTERDAY, FRIENDS!  I finished up, washed up and took a fresh roll from its home and set it in the throne room for the next time when I would certainly polish off that roll.  I thanked myself later because it was the single smartest thing I had done all day and treated myself to a car wash for being so. damn. awesome.

Seven Songs From Seven John Hughes Movies

Herc's triumphant return!

Nobody is more excited than this than me.  I just watched all of these videos(research) and am gonna go watch one of these radical movies next! 

As you can see, Devyn's Day Off is about to get very busy, so you are on your own....go Herc!

7 songs from 7 John Hughes Movies
(part of ongoing series 7 Song Playlists)

Is there another filmmaker who captured what being a teenager is like so well and so often? The late great John Hughes also kept his finger on the musical pulse of youth as well and was often inspired by the music he heard. His films often featured soundtracks so dense or diverse that it was near impossible to release them for public consumption. Here are 7 signature songs from 7 of his best movies. Save Ferris by making a comment.

SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

“Holiday Road” - Lindsey Buckingham from National Lampoon’s Vacation

Lost in the haze of history is the fact that this song was one of two songs Lindsey prepared for the 1983 film - the other one is titled “Dancin’ Across The U.S.A.”


“If You Were Here” - The Thompson Twins from Sixteen Candles

The penultimate song from this movie (the last one that plays before the credits) is one of only five tracks on the original soundtrack EP and was recently covered by the Cary Brothers for the tasty movie Easy A.


“Don’t You (Forget About Me)” - Simple Minds from The Breakfast Club

This song was originally offered to - and rejected by - three other established artists (The Fixx’s lead singer, Cy Currin, Billy Idol and Bryan Ferry) before up and coming Scottish band Simple Minds, who initially declined as well, recorded it at the urging of their record label.


“Weird Science” - Oingo Boingo from Weird Science

Despite the song’s popularity, the band has distanced themselves from it and has rarely performed it live in the years since its release.


“If You Leave” - Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark from Pretty In Pink

Pop-punkers Good Charlotte covered this song for the soundtrack of Not Another Teen Movie.


“Oh Yeah” - Yello from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off

Initially ignored upon its original 1985 release, John Hughes used this song to great effect in the movie showing how “choice” Cameron’s Father’s Ferrari was.


“Christmas Vacation” - Mavis Staples from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

An official soundtrack has yet to be released for this film but this song was released as a single on Prince’s Paisley Park label because the legendary Ms. Staples was under contract at the time.


SPOTIFY PLAYLIST

Seven Best Potato Fries

Wednesday again, ya'll!

Why do people call Wednesday hump day?  I will not google this...I want my readership to explain it to me.

I love Wednesdays but don't like that nickname for them...maybe I need to understand it better.

Today I am gonna go back to my fast food ways and discuss fries.  Nothing pairs better with a burger.  NOTHING.

Sometimes KM and I would go on a fast food picnic and get burgers from one place, fries from another, and beverages from another and dessert from a fourth.  It was a fun way to spend time and enjoy a meal in the car and expand our waistlines.  I need to patent the idea, so much fun - try it!

Without further ado, here they are!

Seven Best Potato Fries:
 

• Chik Fil A's Waffle Fries.  These fries have some (potato) meat to them!  They're perfectly salty and have a high crispy to tender ratio which puts them one step closer to perfection.  You must try these, you'll wonder what you were waitng for.
• Arby's Curly Fries.  How do they do it?  How do they make them curly like that?  My family has a strong Arby;s tendency for many reasons but nobody can tell me how they curl them.  And why does every order only have like two of the perfect 4 inch long corkscrew ones?  A rip off.  What's the spices?  So gosh darn good, why is it only 9am?
• Eegee's Crinkle Cut Fries.  A Tucson staple, enjoyed with your sub from the same place and a fruity slushy Eegee.  Great, and now I've drooled all over the keyboard.
• McDonald's.  Do I need to describe these to you? They;are the most consistent fries and are often oversalted(love it).  Nothing makes a better snack than these with an ice cold coke.  Yep, I said it. 
• Fuddrucker's Potato Wedges.  My family used to go here for a lot of our life celebrations and I haven't been in years...like 5?  I have this image in my mouth and taste on my tongue of how I remember this place.  Afraid it won't stand up to my expectations but still willing to try again!  These wedges are much meatier than the waffle fries but seasoned with magic and finished off with some wonder.  SO FREAKING GOOD!  (Why do I do this to myself?)
• Honey Bear's Sweet Potato Fries.  Best sweet potato fries I've ever had. Probably lose the entire healthier aspect of the sweet potato in how they are prepared and seasoned but I'll be damned if its not completely worth it.  Never had sweet potato fries?  This is a good place to start. Let's go.
• Five Guys Cajun Fries.  You can get your potato fix here in one of two ways: regular or Cajun.  Well what is cajun?  Its spices and herbs.  It lingers.  It makes you eat more.  I don't know what it is but I do know that its de.lish.us.  And going with my melt in your mouth burger there its pretty much a slice of heaven here in the land of concrete and pavement. 

Did I miss any?  Do you have a problem with my list?  Take to the comments!

Seven Life Goals

'Ello!

Do you have goals in life?  I think everyone does, right?

Some people aim to pay the bills.  Some want to get to the next level  in that video game.  Some want to have x amount of kids by x age. Some wanna climb that corporate ladder! 

I have a lot of goals, way more than 7.  I have a revolving list that is completely intertwined with my own personal bucket list.  Its complicated.

Every year right about this time near my birthday I evaluate some goals.  I have taken some of my goals and narrowed them down to 7 that I'd like to accomplish in the next year(or so).  Crazy things to do before I get to that strange age I'm headed to!

Ready?

Seven Goals For The Next 365 Days:

• Canning.  I gotta try this.  I cook food for a living and this is right up my alley.  I have never canned anything.  I've made jams and spreads and jellies but never for long term preservation.  I read several blogs about this and I feel like I need to make my own pickles this year sometime.  Its also aligns well with another goal...
• Live A More Sustainable Life.  This is for the betterment of myself and the world I hope to one day bring kids into.  I have cut back my plastic bag usage by 80% and that's a big goal.  Its a challenge to remember, its sorta annoying to the employees, but I am saving thousands of bags from hitting the landfill.  I am trying to eat healthier and buy organic and or local as I can afford or where its available.  I want to cut back my hygiene products this year(baking soda and vinegar shampoo anyone?).  Every renovation I do to my house is eco-minded too.  Basically when I have the option of living more "green" I am going to take it.  It just feels better.
• Ride A Motorcycle.  Yes, I have never ridden a true motorcycle.  A mini bike once.  But never a scooter or a motorcycle.  This year, I'm gonna.  I'm gonna ride one.  Maybe it'll scare me away from them or maybe I will have a new goal next year of driving one.  We shall see. 
• Gardening.  I am going to get rid of some of the lush landscaping on my property this year and move or re-purpose some irrigation and build a raised bed garden.  I'm gonna use cedar wood, its gonna be about 6" above ground level, and I'm gonna grow some veggies.  This goes with sustainability too, but mostly because I want that pride.  I kept the roses alive this year, good job Dev, now grow a garden!
• Soda Maker.  I want to make my own carbonated beverages.  I don't think I want that silly soda stream machine, just a co2 charger and limitless flavors!  I love soda, I love carbonation and I want to make my own.  I am actively drinking much less soda because of the HFCS and sugar contents.  I see a Devyn named soda coming up folks.
• Skydiving.  This has been a goal of mine for years.  Since I was about 17 I think.  It might just kill my parents.  I wouldn't tell them until after...but I'd totally do it.  I think one of my brothers is down too, so maybe a partner in crime will inspire this dream to become a reality.  
• Spanish.  More than ever I feel compelled to take advantage of my heritage as a part Mexican and learn the damn language!  Its a beautiful language, a valuable skill and just something I NEED to do.  It would make my grandma very proud, I know and would make me very happy.  Daily I use words here and there but I need to make those sentences happen!  I need to learn Spanish.  

Know what I just realized?  By putting this out here I have just built myself some accountability.  I feel accountable to all of you invisible millions of readers.  Make me achieve these goals, ya'll!

Do you have any goals I should help you with?  Tell me in the comments!

Seven Bridesmaids Quotes

HEY!

Miss me?  I missed you.

Today my current favorite movie came out.  Its hilarious.  Its called Bridesmaids.

I saw it the day it came out, during the time I was recovering from a tailbone injury.

Note to self: Do not take the stairs on your bottom, for you will not like the next two months.  

Tailbone injuries hurt in just about every position, mostly when seated(like in a movie theater).

They kinda hurt way worse when laughing or coughing or sneezing but mostly laughing(like in a movie theater).

It was the most painful two hours I have ever paid to enjoy.  It was the funniest movie!  SO WORTH IT!!!

Anyways I own it and I gotta tell you about it.

So there's a wedding.  Bridesmaids.  Barf.  Wilson Philips.  Puppies.  Poop.  Baking.  Drinking.  A cute cop.  Pretty much the best movie ever.

IF you have the audacity to have missed its run in theaters, go see it now!  Get on down to the Blockbuster and rent that blu-ray, yo!(PS! Its exclusively for rent only at Blockbuster until October 18 when it'll be at Redbox and Netflix.)

Seven Quotes From Bridesmaids
 

• "I'm glad he's single because I'm going to climb that like a tree. "
• "Do you want to tell a cop about it? We're just like priests except we would tell everybody after wards."
• "This is the first time I've seen you look ugly, and that makes me happy!"
• "It's happening?!.....It happened. "
• "I want to apologize...I'm not even confident on which end that came out of...  "
• "Really quick! Speaking of Consuela, Lillian and I took Spanish together in school. And so, I would just like to say to you and to everyone here, "Gracias para vivir en la casa, en la escuelas, en el azul... markada. Tienes con bibir en las Fortuasla?" and gracias! "
• "I've seen better tennis playing in a tampon commercial."

I haven't laughed so hard in my entire life.  I need to go watch this again.  NOTHING can make me laugh like this...except maybe Raising Hope.  Now THAT'S a TV show, people.  


Nope, they aren't paying me to go on and on about this movie.  No, I'm not gonna explain the quotes for fear of ruining the experience.  No I do not speak Spanish - nor can I spell it.  No I didn't look these up for accuracy, they are paraphrased from MY MEMORY.  Lastly, no you may not put this movie in the same class as those stupid hangover flicks.  No. Way.

***Blockbuster doesn't pay me either...***

Seven Favorite Devyn Memories

It's not over yet ya'll!  I still have more friends who wanted to write for 7w/D!  Yet another debut by a repeat commenter, new author!  

Let's welcome Agent Z(or Natalia...) with the first of many posts she plans to write for 7w/D!  This is another friend of mine who knows way too much and I was weary of just how many of my deep dark secrets she would write about...luckily njust the one about the braces. 

Miss Agent  Z ma'am, Thankyouverymuchyourcheckisinthemail.

***Full disclosure, the profanity in #7 came from my mouth via my texting fingers.  I'm no angel, but I'm still sorry to my parents and grandparents...yes they read this blog.  - D

Seven Favorite Devyn Memories

In honor of Devyn week and in keeping with the theme of this blog, I have chosen to write about my seven favorite Devyn memories.

1. Geometry class – where it all began…?  Devyn and I have trouble pinpointing the exact moment we met, but this was definitely close to the beginning, if not THE beginning, of our friendship.  We made kaleidoscopes.  We built stuff with legos.  She dazzled me with her genius mathematical skills.  I dazzled (or disgusted?) her with my ability to be completely obsessed with a new boy every week.  And the rest, as they say, is history.
2. Elbowing her in the face.  Not what you would call a fond memory, but Devyn has a penchant for repeating the tale, so it might as well be my version that gets out into cyberspace first.  So.  High school.  Sophomore year.  Spanish class.  I had my head down on the desk and Devyn decided to sneak up reeeeal close and say something that caused me to fling my arms out and whip my head up.  I realized too late the proximity of her mouth to my elbow, and she spent the rest of class attempting to liberate her lip from her braces.  Devyn, I’m SORRY!!!
3. The surprise 18th birthday party she threw me (and Lilian J!).  Have you even been blindfolded and thrown in a car against your will, wondering if you’ll ever see your family again?  I haven’t, but I have been blindfolded and daintily placed in a car full of friends and driven to a surprise 18th birthday bash organized by one Miss Devyn R.  This is just another example of Devyn flexing her “I’m an awesome friend and you are damn lucky to have me” muscle.  She successfully united all the different groups Lilian J and I hung out with, and we all enjoyed a wonderful April evening in the park.
4. The cakes.  I was the envy of the school on my birthday, because I got a homemade Devyn cake.  She would tote it all the way to school (bombing down Aviation), present it to me with a flourish in the morning, and I would be fighting off well-wishers brandishing forks for the rest of the day.  Cherry chip with cherry frosting and M&Ms, some kind of brownie concoction with mint filling and fudgy icing…it’s enough to make me wish I was back in high school.  But she really outdid herself with my UA graduation cake.  It was a beast of a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting so good I wouldn’t mind taking a bath in it.  But the most awesome part was the perfect Arizona “A” lovingly cut out of fondant that adorned one side.  The other most awesome part was the exact replica of the Gap logo that was plastered on the other side.  Seriously people, I’m talking PERFECT replicas.
5. Off-roading.  Devyn has no fear when it comes to operating heavy machinery.  I learned this as I was strapped in to a mule and taken on a high-speed, multi-circuit tour of her aunt and uncle’s backyard nature trail.  It was super fun, especially because no one died! 
6. Beatles Rock Band Night.  This was epic, you guys.  Devyn, her brothers, KM and I successfully completed every single song in Beatles Rock Band in one sitting.  Even the songs we didn’t know.  I’m not sure how things progressed from “Let’s do this for a bit.” to “LET’S DO THIS FOREVER!” but I’m glad they did.  Maybe it was the Macayo’s.  We ended laying flat on the floor doing more mumbling than singing, but that still counts. 
7. Constant Texting.  This is an ongoing memory as opposed to one moment, but cut me some slack here.  As you probably gathered from the disproportionate amount of Devyn memories that took place in high school, I don’t get to hang out with this lovely lady very often.  After high school I stayed in Tucson for college while she set out building her career as a pastry chef.  Now I’m working in San Francisco, so the distance has only increased as we’ve grown more and more awesome at life.  Texting is what’s held us together all this time and across all those miles.  Mostly because I’m an a-hole and never answer my phone, but also because it’s the easiest way to reach out across time differences and crazy working hours to say “Hi, shithead.”

And this concludes my Devyn-riffic post.

Happy birthday, Devyn!  Here’s to many more memories.

The Dirt! 12 Things Dev Doesn't Want You To Know About Her

Happy Birthday to ME!

Herc seems to have been up to some shenanigans, he emailed me this...just like this.  I don't even want to ask him where he found all of this sensitive information!

Enjoy and since it made me laugh out loud,  I hope it makes you do the same!!!

The Dirt! 150 12 Things Dev Doesn’t Want You To Know About Her

After an expensive extensive exhausting half-arse investigation brief Google search, Herc’s International Exports and House of Global Espionage has prepared quite a thick dossier on our Miss Devyn.  Here’s the dirt, the lowdown, the poop and the scuttlebutt.  Use it as you see fit.

• Devyn is preternaturally afraid of Muppets, 1111111, yellow wooden pencils with pink erasers, 1111111111111111111 and British accents.  Not people with British accents mind you but the actual accents themselves.  This applies to all British, Irish, 1111111111111 and Scottish accents and Australian and some Canadian accents as well.

• Blessed with amazing athletic ability, Devyn fancies herself rather a good golfer but has consistently failed to make it past both the clown’s mouth and the haunted windmill on every course she has ever played.  She prefers to play with an orange ball and club with at least a 3 degree angle while out on the links.

• Practically a fluent speaker in her native language, Devyn cannot wink, blink or operate a ventriloquist figure (“dummy”) without moving her lips.  Or her nose.

• Because she possesses beauty beyond the range of perceptible human eyesight, astute mirrors have been known to look at Devyn before she looks at them.  And the Sun follows her wherever she goes.  Until it gets tired.  And then the Moon takes over.

• Devyn knows the difference between right and wrong but sometimes confuses right and left.  And her password is “1234password” but don’t tell anyone

• It was Devyn’s suggestion that the Girl Scouts Of America slice up their slow-selling Mint Loafs and market them as Thin Mints.  She was awarded the Bright Idea badge and got a personal visit from the National Leader of GSA, who then asked Dev for her autograph.  On a non-disclosure agreement.

• As an avid celebrant of holidays, Devyn refuses to acknowledge the existence of or even decorate for International Hug A Tree Day and Universal Pig Latin Day which are usually more than 7 months apart.

• While playing the position of goalkeeper in AYSO soccer games, Devyn held opponents to fewer than 20 goals.  Every. Single. Game.

• On the rare occasions Devyn deigns to have her car washed by trained professionals, she often chooses to have either Caribbean Breeze or Monkey Farts as the interior scent.  But never both at the same time.

• She’s been known to hock up a small hairball on more than one occasion through no fault of her own.

• The Lord may move in mysterious ways but Devyn uses a 27’ U-Haul truck.  And 37 of her closest family and friends.

• As a child, Devyn’s nose was “stolen” more than a dozen times by close relatives with the long-term effects yet to be determined.  While her nose was always recovered, the guilty culprits have never been brought to justice.

Seven Randoms About Devyn

T'was the night before the big day, when all through the house not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.

The bags were packed and ready by the door, anxious to go in hopes that go-time would soon be there.

The special girl was nestled all snug in her bed while visions of yet another birthday danced in her head.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, she sprung from my bed to see what was the matter.  Right to the window she flew like a flash, she tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to her wondering eyes did appear, than a pimped out pink Cadillac with spinner wheels and KM bedazzled on many surfaces!

A stiletto-ed leg was the first to exit the chariot, and KM pelted a paper airplane that hit the special girl square between her eyes and this is what it said...

"PUT THIS ON YOUR BLOG $&@%$!!!"

...and so she did...

image here

Seven Randoms About Devyn 

by KM

6 years I have known Devyn. I still remember making her a birthday card in culinary school when we first met. I have been lucky enough to celebrate the past six birthdays with her, whether we were in Tucson, Phoenix or Vegas. When she told me about her birthday week theme, and asked me if I wanted to do a post, I thought of course....but what to do...so many themes I could do. Finally I decided that I couldn't just pick one. So my post is just random Devyn. I am thankful for all she has brought into my life especially her family who has adopted me as their own and been one of the best things about being in Arizona. She has been such an amazing friend to me, that I hope these things make her smile a little bit. Happy birthday Squish!

1. Ask Devyn to wink. She is definitely getting better than when I first tried to teach her, but it still needs a little work. I am pretty sure I break out into laughter every time I see her wink. I tried to teach her by telling her to close both eyes and then just open one. She closed both eyes and then deer in headlights opened both...ask her to do it...I promise you will laugh.

2. Road trips. Devyn and I have gone on many road trips. Of course, she does all the driving which I am eternally thankful for. We have gone to Tucson more times than I can count. Disneyland for a weekend. Utah for the day, just because. Sedona, Flagstaff and other random places just because we were bored one day and wanted an adventure. Vegas multiple times. We saw the Oscar Meyer Wienermobile on the Hoover Dam people. Awesome music, awesome snacks and awesome conversations.

3. Devyn loves t-shirts. She has tons of them. My favorite that she owns is one that says "Teach me how to Domo". Makes me laugh every time I see it. She also loves Domo, if you didn't know that then you fail as her friend =]

4. She is one of the smartest, selfless people that I know. Her whole family is so smart it is ridiculous...and Dev usually says she is the dumb one of her family. She has been my nerd herd, my accountant, my financial planner, my roommate, my landlord, my driver, my therapist, my everything. She would drop anything to help those who really matter to her, I am thankful everyday that I am one of those people.

5. Ask her to say "Hefeweizen". Hi.lar.ious.

6. She has taught me so much. She has been with me through culinary school, a move to Vegas, a move back to Phoenix and multiple moves around Phoenix. We have moved 5 times together. Without her, I wouldn't have been as successful in school, in my first pastry job in Vegas or the job I have now.

7. She is the ying to my yang. If you break us down, we are total opposites. She likes romantic comedies, I like action. She dresses casual, I dress up. She likes electronics and fixing things, I like sports and beer. We balance each other out. We keep each other grounded and boost each other up. She is the sister I never knew I wanted, but so happy she came into my life.

A note from the editor to KM:  Your methods of blog entry delivery are questionable yet entirely effective.  Thank you so much for this entry!  Devyn appreciates the kind words and is only slightly embarrassed at the secrets you have unleashed on the poor readership.  As always, I truly enjoy your writing and look forward to many more birthdays and signature KM entires! 

Seven Ways to Cross The Country

Its still birthday week!  Today's post is brought to you by the fabulous Faye!  I've known Faye for 5 years? Wow!  Anyways, she is one of the craziest, kindest, most AMAZING people I know.  Truth be told, I have no idea where she lives these days, or if her activities there are within the limits of the law, but I still love her!  You will too...


What I like about this post is that its not all about me!  However, little known to Faye, I have been wanting to feature more posts on travel.  I love to travel and wish I could do it more.  Faye is always on her way someplace or back from somewhere else.  I envy her!  Thank you for reading my mind Faye!  Also for the shower of compliments here, you are far too kind!  


What do you people think of Faye? I think she is my new resident travel expert here at 7w/D...I love this post!!! - D


If you read Seven with Devyn on a regular basis you will notice that Devyn is great at capturing random moments of life. Like that conversation you have with a friend about the best sandwich you’ve ever had, and later you wonder why you’re even friends with a person who puts corn syrup on their peanut butter sandwich. No matter what the topic, the blog shows her passion for starting a conversation. She ignites responses you want to talk about, she makes 7 points that make you want to add your own 3...4...5, and she rocks at it all!

If there is one thing I share with Devyn, it’s my ability to be random. I am very much about living in the moment. Two weeks ago I took a spontaneous road trip, in 48 hours I drove 16, slept 17, ate for 4, surfed the web and read city brochures for 2 and then ended up driving around in the rain for 9. Most people would say that it wasn’t worth it, especially with the rain…but I say it was time well spent. Travel is my passion; I have driven cross country 8 times, 12 times from North to South, and even more flights around the world.

Road tripping is an art form. First you plan a destination, a route to get there, the people to invite, the budget to spend…and then…while on the road you have the freedom to change it all! Magic! There are numerous ways to road trip, but here are 7 ways to the cross the country.

1. SOLO: My favorite way to travel is alone! I hop in the car and go, there is always enough room for my luggage and no fighting over the music. (oh and I can sing along with every song!!!) This is a terrific way to get to know a new destination too. Making a friend at the hotel you stay at or the near by coffee shop is a great way to find hidden jewels of the city you’re visiting. Sometimes you luck out and get a tour as well. I trust my judgment on which gas stations to stop at and rest areas to avoid, but I always think of the peace of mind that comes with not fighting over the remote control in the hotel room. Ahhhhh! When I was living in Las Vegas I recall taking a tourist around the strip and showing him what was worth paying to see and what was worth just walking by. I’m an avid lone-traveler, I recommend new tourists to make their first solo trip with in 3 hours of home. This way it’s not a bad drive home if you end up not liking your music choices and inner monologue.

2. FAMILY VACATION: Some of my best memories are on family vacations. I was 8 when we took our first cross country vacation. It took one month! Each of us were allowed to pack 1 small duffel back into our Jeep Wrangler. My dad had the maps, history books and AAA guides out on the table for weeks leading up to the trip. He drew a red line on the multi-fold road map for us to see our trip. He circled sites like Mt. Rushmore, the Hot Springs, the Petrified Forest, and the White Sand Dunes. Mixed into our travels was a daily fight between my sister and I scrunched in the back seat ‘she’s touching me’ echoed on the walls of the Rocky Mountains. We would stop and visit family along the entire trip. Some I never saw again, but was glad for the memory. My great uncle was an inventor. He built a 4-runner vehicle for riding on his property, a traditional wind mill to power all of his electrical needs, and the icing on the cake was that he built his house on a turn table to get the most sunlight inside at all hours of the day. Family vacations are all about being stuck in the car with people you love heading to towns where people love you.

3. FRIENDS BONDING: Many trips with a bunch of friends in the car lead to make-or-break situations. The friendship either gets stronger or falls apart on the 3rd verse of “If You Wanna Be” by the Spice Girls. I suggest having some mixed CD’s and include plenty of older classics. Songs that take everyone back to their child hood or college days…no one can get mad with Vanilla Ice singing “Ice Ice Baby.” Again, make sure to be flexible with what you eat and what you listen to, but make sure to have a hotel booked and everyone knowing how much they owe you for gas. Money is the last thing you want to have a fight over on a road trip. Start with a short drive and a destination, amusement park, concert or winery in mind.

4. NORTHERN ROUTE: Option one for the drive is to hop on the turnpike for a while and get a lot of ground covered. Drive through some beautiful scenery ranging from the changing leaves and forest in Pennsylvania, to the great lakes, through the St. Louis Arch way and finally hitting the Rocky Mountains. The most awesome part of this route is winding around the mountains in Colorado. It’s not ideal for those who get car sick, but it’s beautiful. The mountains on the left and the rushing rivers on the right, make a point to pull over to the side of the road and breathe in this air. Beware of how hard you ride your car through the mountains. Make sure not to use your cruise control and to give your car a rest as soon as you make it down the mountain. Or stop to hike along the river trails.

5. SOUTHERN ROUTE: I know this route by heart. My favorite option because it’s great on the eyes, the car and the pocketbook. The gas prices are usually low, it’s very flat and easy for on the car, and there are lots of interesting stops along the way. There is a mix of southern BBQ, Mexican and all American cuisine. And during the early spring or late fall you can find warm sunshine and bitter snow en route in a single day. Be aware of the ’No gas for 54 miles’ signs, it is not a fun walk if you run out of gas!

6. FAR SOUTH ROUTE: This route is for truckers only. It’s too long and too hot, and too dry for me. The only excuse for this is if you’re already in Texas and near highway 20, or if you are going from Florida to New Mexico in a day. If this is your choice route, make sure never to get below a ¼ tank of gas, sometimes there are 50 mile stretches with no gas stations or rest stops. It’s important to give your car a break every couple hours as well. Every 2 hours stop and stretch and turn the car off for 10 minutes, especially in the summer heat.

7. ON A MISSION: I have moved cross country for school and for work. I have moved a friend from Alabama to California. I have driven to Nashville for the weekend, Florida for the week, Las Vegas for the day and California for 16 hours of fun. When you have a destination in mind, don’t get distracted or you’ll miss out on your time there. The standard tips for getting from point A to point B is to take turns driving and make sure to sleep when you’re not driving. Peppermint keeps your senses awake, so keep some in the car along with some chocolate covered espresso beans. Crack the window once in a while to keep the air from getting stale. Stop and eat your meals when you stop for gas and buy a pair of trashy sunglasses at the first Flying J you see!

Seven Things Made Better By Devyn

Welcome back to the greatest week of all time: my birthday week! (kidding, sorta)
Today I present a new contributor. She's been around in the comments and is making her debut today in a wonderful Devyn-centric post. Lilian has a lot of dirt on me...I hope she has lost all of those memories and replaced them with more important things like her little kiddo.  Anyways, here she is!

A quick note to Lilian J:  #1 How fancy are you as someone who just has a last initial?  Totally jealous.  Anyways, I find it funny that we can't find time to write eachother more than a couple times a year.  What I find to be quite humbling is that you took the time to write this for me.  Thank you so much, can you just go me one more favor?  Please ensure my large readership that I DID NOT pay you for these kind words! - D

Seven Things Made Better by Devyn:

I have known Devyn since high school, a time when many of us were riddled with teenage angst, pointless cattiness, awkward haircuts, and pining for any particular older (or younger!) boy that caught our attention. Now, several years later, I still feel blessed to have Devyn in my life, and in honor of her birthday week, here’s a list of seven things Devyn has improved in my life. So, cheers to you, Devyn, and Happy Birth-Week!

1. Accounting: This was supposed to be one of the dullest classes in all of the Tucson High elective options. However, due to Devyn’s good humor and wit, it became the highlight of my week. Of course, our natural inclination for all things nerdy didn’t hurt, but this early morning class went from being “schedule filler” to delightful.
2. Birthdays: I’ve recently heard from an acquaintance that she lost interest in birthdays past the age of 10. Sad, really, because I still enjoyed celebrating my birthday well into high school. This is largely in part due to Devyn’s knack for making all of her friends’ birthdays special (maybe a subliminal bribe to have us do the same for her? Notice an entire week of blogs dedicated to her birthday!). The cakes decorated in bright colors, cartoon characters, and various candies coupled with the little gifts Devyn would carefully pick out for each person gave us all a reason to come to school on our birthdays.
3. Sarcasm: Ah, the art of sarcasm. Devyn has perfected this biting humor with a large dose of funny mixed with a bit of put-in-your-place observation. A sarcastic comment from Devyn will leave everyone laughing and thankful to be on her good side.
4. First jobs: Devyn’s first job was at Target. She loved it. Almost too much. Devyn’s loyalty, determination, diligence, and zealousness for excellence put all of the other teenage employees to shame. If I had ever had a chance to see her store’s break room, I’m sure her face was plastered all over it with proclamations of Best Employee Ever. This approach to work is a clear example of Devyn’s high-quality character that we, as her friends, deeply appreciate.
5. Family time: When most young people are loosening the apron strings, Devyn was anxious to hang out with her family members. In high school, watching her love for her brothers and parents encouraged me to show my mom a little more affection and realize that life is too short to not spend some more evenings at home. I so appreciate her example, even today, of someone who knows that people are the most important aspect of any life, and there is always time to show our loved ones how special they are.
6. The name, Devyn: Seven by Devyn. Heavyn by Devyn. Never have I met someone with such a love for their name. In perhaps the ultimate compliment to her parents, Devyn is infatuated with her name. I’ve known other Devins (notice the lamer spelling), but Devyn’s appreciation for her name (especially the “y”) makes me feel like it really is the coolest name out there. And she owns it, so we better not copy her!
7. Friendship: Devyn showed me all about loyalty in friendships. She showed me that little things are not worth the heartache (note pointless cattiness, above) and that humor is always the best anecdote. As with her family, Devyn takes her time and connections with her friends very seriously. She and I don’t talk very often, but when I got married in 2008, who was more than willing to make the most beautiful, shiny, brightly-colored cupcakes ever? And who is faithful to comment on the pictures I post of my daughter? And who is always quick with a response to any message/text/etc. I may send? My precious Devyn.

Thank you, Devyn, for showing me the bright side of things and for allowing me to be your friend for this long. I’m sure the loyal readership will agree that you are too wonderful for a short list of Seven to define!