Why I Love Rihanna

Part 1: The Concert
Last week it was finally time for my January birthday gift from Shana: Rihanna! This is one of the best surprises/gifts I've ever received. I didn't even know she was coming so to have Shana tell me way back in January that we'd be seeing her, in our city, in person, was just wonderful.

We had nosebleed seats but I didn't care. (Obviously.) She sang and danced her heart out for 90 minutes, and Shana and I danced and sang (and sweated) our hearts out with her. I knew every song, almost every word, and so did everyone else.

She didn't talk between songs, which was criticized in a review I read, but that's not what I came to see. I came to see her perform. Which she did. While she had about seven wardrobe changes, the stage set was pretty simple, not too distracting, which I appreciated. 

It was a Monday night and I had a client meeting the next morning, but I was just so happy and hyper I didn't fall asleep until after one. I'd do it again and again.

Part 2: The Performer
A lot of people find my love of Rihanna almost antithetical to who I am and what I stand for. I don't feel the need to defend this, but I will anyway.

A lot is said* about her as a performer, generally criticizing her clothes, song content, and dance moves. I can’t say I like everything she wears, says, or does, but I like the vast majority of it. Yet I do struggle sometimes with the fact that being a Feminist is such a huge part of who I am and how I choose to present myself, and I do not believe in women using sexuality alone to define themselves.

But, I also believe very strongly in women having the freedom and confidence to discuss and portray sexuality without judgment. I admire Rihanna for embracing her sexuality without shame.** I appreciate that she is authentic in her actions and doesn't say one thing and do another. She knows what she likes and she owns it.

Beyonce was taken to task for wearing a skimpy leather negligee at the Super Bowl, which took the focus off her talent and to her body. I both agree and disagree. Powerhouse-vocalist Adele’s body is talked about quite frequently, and she’s generally covered head to toe. But how is that different, it’s still all about the appearance? Both are talented vocalists and complicated women either way.

I think society is still very uncomfortable with a woman telling us exactly what she wants. Many are more comfortable with the Taylor Swift-brand of faux innocence that continues to exalt purity and base a woman's worth on her virginity. Which is unbelievably wrong. I’d rather be watching a performer confident in who she is, how she looks, how she performs, than both hiding behind and perpetuating arcane societal pressures. If the point needs to be hammered home while wearing a short skirt, than let's try it.

It’s a delicate balance to be able to embrace sexuality and not be defined by it. I don’t have a solid answer. It’s complex. Just like a woman. Just like most people. And I just love Rihanna for trying.


*A lot is also said about her personal life and this is all I will say: I despise Chris Brown and will never forgive him. I believe that outsiders rarely, if ever, understand the intricacies of another couple’s relationship. There is psychological proof that women often go back to their abusers. If I ever saw Rihanna, I’d hug her and tell her she could do better.
**In a way, by the way, that men in hip hop have always done, and in a much more crass manner. Tell me one rapper who has never grabbed his groin on stage and then we can criticize Rihanna for doing the same thing.

Music In My Ears: Bell Bottom Blues

This week I've been listening to a lot of my "Clapton et. al." playlist. (The et. al. because it includes songs he recorded as Cream, Blind Faith, and Derek and the Dominoes.) Several years ago, Mom bought his autobiography, as well as the autobiography of Pattie Boyd, ex-wife to both he and George Harrison. They were both well-written, unfailingly honest, and entertaining.

While I initially mocked Mom for buying a book written by a "groupie," I immediately changed my opinion after reading about Boyd; she is not remotely a groupie. Aside from the fact that she is a talented artist and photographer in her own right, she also served as a muse to two of the greatest singer-songwriters of the past century and inspired four of the greatest love songs: "Something" by Harrison, and "Layla," "Wonderful Tonight," and "Bell Bottom Blues" by Clapton. The latter being my second favorite love song ever. (The first being "Crazy Love" by Van Morrison.)

If you know the song, or know its history, you may not consider it a love song; he wrote it for Boyd after he cheated on her. But I can't help it. I'm not a romantic person and have no patience for the flowery true-love-soul-mate-my-life-was-nothing-before-you stuff. It's just not realistic to me. I'm not saying cheating and writing a song is the way to go, but damn, he just sings it so painfully and so powerfully, I want him to crawl across the floor for me. (Even though, given my commitment issues, I'd probably run screaming in the opposite direction.)

I haven't felt the crawl-across-the-floor love in the romantic sense, but I do love people, my family and friends, who I've hurt a time or two. And I'd gladly crawl across the floor for them.

Do you want to see me crawl across the floor to you?

Do you want to hear me beg you to take me back?

I'd gladly do it because I don't want to fade away. 

Give me one more day, please. 

I don't want to fade away. 

In your heart I want to stay.

Things I Learned This Weekend

Nordstrom has very pretty dresses. 
Friday night was our first attempt at finding bridesmaid dresses for B's wedding. Since we'll be wearing black, we're trying out a few national chains in addition to the standard wedding sources. We haven't found "the one" yet, but it was fun to try pretty dresses on. 

It never gets easier to watch your team lose.
Oh, Carolina basketball. I'll love y'all forever, but you're kind of killing me.

Never let your freakishly strong friend handle the wine stopper.
I have the cutest/tackiest wine stopper with a woman's legs coming out of the stopper. Brandie, who you'll recall is an arm wrestling beast, was trying to get it out and ripped her poor legs right off! 

Playing Wii games with friends is a good antidote to bad basketball.
This was our second Wii Game Night and it was another success. I finally got a second remote and we played Wii Sports. And laughed a lot.

We're a little too good at punching.
The boxing game is awesome for pent up aggression. Which we had a lot of apparently.

Tennis is really really hard.
For me. B and K did great. We may have to credit B's commitment to the game, as she's seen here pretending to bounce the tennis ball, just like the pros.

Rameses makes a good bowling partner.
At least according to Brandie.

Vindication can be found in Wii bowling. 
For years, my family's made fun of the way I leap a little when I Wii bowl. My friends were making fun of me too, until I had 2 strikes and about 6 spares, all because of the leap. How do I know it was the leap? Because as soon as K and B tried the leap, they too, scored higher. It's all in the leap, people! 

 
I can quote the vast majority of "Clueless." 
And not just sporadically. 

Justin Bieber needs to stay away from my "Saturday Night Live."
I've seen every episode of SNL since 1997. Even the ones where Eminem was the musical guest. So I feel confident in saying that Bieber seriously needs to leave my show alone. 

Every Sunday should start with "Sabrina" on the big screen. 
My friend Sasha alerted me to the fact that a D.C. theatre was showing Audrey's "Sabrina." I, of course, leapt at the chance to see it and to introduce Sasha to another Audrey film—it's only her second one! (Her first being BAT outside a few summers ago.)

I could listen to "The Weight" on repeat forever. 
I found myself really enjoying the Grammy's this year, no part more so than the collaborative tribute to The Band's "The Weight." I seriously love that song

"You're right where you should be. In Capital City." (Matt Wertz)

True story: I met Lauren last June at a reading and signing by fellow North Carolinian YA author Sarah Dessen. (She took the picture of me and Sarah.) We were two of the only 20 somethings in the room and happened to sit beside each other. We're both from NC, both do crafts, both cheer for UNC, both love Audrey, and have many other similarities. Last summer was not a good time for me and, well, without getting all cheesy, I'm just very grateful that Lauren was brought into my life.

I've been in kind of a funk the past few weeks, with the change of seasons and being ready for a trip home, so I haven't been doing as much lately. But several months ago Lauren invited me to see Matt Wertz perform at The Hamilton, and Thursday that's just what I did.


The Hamilton is a newish venue downtown located in the former three-story Borders space. It's a huge place with a bar, restaurant, and performance space. I've been to a few concerts and Lauren's been to tons, and we both agreed it was the nicest venue we've been in. 

We had dinner at Pret, then drinks and dessert at the venue, and then heard some lovely songs by two great performers: Steve Moakler and Matt Wertz.

I had never heard of Moakler and had limited knowledge of Wertz, but both were excellent singers and performers and I'll be seeking their music out more. I was especially excited that the one song of Wertz that I have -- appropriately called "Carolina" -- was the second song he played.

I've been to several concerts with friends in the past year for artists I have little to no knowledge of. It's been nice to discover new music and new things to do with my music-loving friends.

Things I Learned This Weekend

Introducing a friend to the wonders of Old Town's La Tasca is a great start to the weekend.
As does the sangria, too, of course. Brandie, who now works in Alexandria, met me for a happy hour on Friday and I got to introduce her to my favorite HH locale.

No, seriously, I love a Saturday by the pool.
Have I mentioned this enough this summer? My 4 hours there on Saturday spent caught up in a great book (see below) and the funky tan line of my bathing suit ties prove it.

Band of Horses and My Morning Jacket put on a damn good show.
I went to Merriweather Post Pavilion on Saturday with some friends, old and new, to see this concert. While I only have 2 songs by BOH and 1 song by MMJ, it was a great show and I will be expanding my catalog of their music soon.

A hot dog and a glass of wine can cost as much as the GDP of a small country.
Plus french fries, a margarita, and another glass of wine. But they all were good.

Two great bands, especially when they're playing "Rock the Casbah," make my ears ringing for hours worth it.
Next time, I might have to wear ear plugs. It's just so loud!

My hair is a better dancer than I am.
On the way home, Shana and I wanted pictures of us dancing. While she's cute in all hers, mine are just all hair.

The book "Gone Girl" is completely worth the hype.
And a great way to spend a Saturday by the pool in the sun and a Sunday on the couch while it rains.

Worth Sharing

The Avett Brothers were on Conan last week and performed an extended version of my favorite song, "Murder in the City." (Blogged about previously here.) Listen, love, repeat.

Goodbye, summer

For Christmas one year in high school, my parents gave me a CD changer that held 51 CDs. This enabled me to control my music selection with a remote from anywhere in my room. And from the right angle, the bathroom, too. It was my personal jukebox in the pre-iPod days. There was a small binder with numbered slots to hold liner notes so you'd know which slot held which CD. As a rule, *NSYNC always took the top spots, soundtracks at the end.

The CD changer got the most use in the summer, when I could spend hours lying on my stomach on my purple plaid bedspread, with a small gray chenille pillow bunched up under my chin while I read a book, the cool air from the ceiling vent pouring over me. As a result there are a number of songs that, 10 or more years later, always make me think of air conditioning. There are certain songs that I swear make me instantly cooler, just by memory.

My interest in music started around the seventh grade. I used to think I wasn't allowed to say this because pretty much all the music I listen to can easily be found on MTV (when they played music) or in the Top 40 charts (when they were still printed in the paper.) But that doesn't bother me anymore. More obscure music is great but it doesn't mean it's automatically better. Plus, I just don't think you can easily judge the musical tastes of others because you don't know what a song means to them. Don't know where they are transported to with that opening riff or soothing chorus.

So here is my summer 2011 playlist. For better or worse, there are a number of songs that I won't be able to listen to without thinking of this summer. Of sticky hot days, of rainy days in the office, of long walks in DC, of air conditioning.

Summer 2011 Playlist
Animal - Neon Trees
Hair - Lady Gaga
Call it Off - Tegan and Sara
Answering Bell - Ryan Adams
Power - Kanye West
1000 Julys - Third Eye Blind
Turning Tables - Adele
Knock Down Walls - Tonic
Little Lion Man - Mumford and Sons
Rolling in the Deep - Adele
Constellations - Jack Johnson featuring Eddie Vedder
Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart - Samantha Ronson/Mark Ronson/Alicia Keys
Why I Love You - Jay Z and Kanye West
F**kin' Perfect - Pink
19th Nervous Breakdown - Rolling Stones

A few more Wednesday words

Today's earlier Wednesday Words were from the Rolling Stones documentary I'd blogged about before. Since then I've expanded my Rolling Stones catalogue and have come to really rely on a number of their songs. One of my favorites is "You Can't Always Get What You Want." This really hits home because, well, I always want to get what I want. I can't think of anyone who doesn't want to get what they want. But since sometimes I'll pursue what I want to an obsessive degree and/or at the expense of others, the song serves as a good reminder to calm the eff down.

When I saw this print on Pinterest -- that also perfectly matched my room -- I pinned it, printed it, framed it, and hung it. Now I have a constant reminder that my way isn't the only way or the best way. Hooray.

What it looks like on the shelf. (Along with my MTM-inspired "B;" a crown picture frame with a postcard photo of Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother; a diamond paper weight; and the Tiffany-blue book "Stuff Every Woman Should Know.")

And what it looks like in the context of my room. (Please also note the pink pillows with bows that I just made; I'm kind of proud of them.) For the sake of honesty in blogging, while I do make my bed and arrange my pillows every day, they don't usually look that good at 10:00 at night.

I think the location of this new mantra beside my other mantra, "keep calm and carry on," is a good combination.

Again and again and again

There is something infinitely soothing to me in repetition. In the past year I've learned about the religious use and tradition of labyrinths. They seem to be a good physical manifestation of the notion of repetitive soothing. This description from St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Bethesda explains it well:

The labyrinth has a single path for walking into and returning from the center. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth has no false turns or blind alleys. You cannot get lost.

Start at the entrance and let go of your cares and concerns. Walk silently, at your own pace, pausing for reflection whenever you wish. Be open to any insight or guidance you receive.

The end of the first graph almost takes my breath away: "No false turns or blind alleys. You cannot get lost." It's this safe predictability that repetition offers that is so appealing. At least the way I practice it. No surprises, no wrong turns, just the same action over and over again.

My repetitive habits can cure almost anything. Counting words in sentences or letters in words over and over when nervous or stressed. Tapping the buttons on a remote control, counting 1 to 100, again and again. Tracing the stones set in the shape of a "B" in a plaster coaster my sister made until zoning out. Playing the same song for days on end until the words barely register.

There are a number of labyrinths at churches in the area and I will eventually walk one. In the meantime, my personal labyrinth continues to be letters, remote buttons, and songs. Especially songs. I've blogged before about my propensity to listen to a song on repeat for an entire day. (See: Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson - Valerie; Eric Hutchinson - Rock and Roll; Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Oh Children) This week it's Samantha Ronson's cover of the Alicia Keys song "Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" firmly on repeat for the past two days.

Last week I heard her brother's version for the first time, which I also love, but this week I'm just obsessed with hers. Despite the title and lyrics, I find it far more beautiful and soothing than sad and depressing. Maybe because I have the more upbeat Keys or other Ronson versions to switch too if needed.

Because of course I have multiple versions. My Covers playlist on iTunes is currently more than 200 strong, with the leaders being "Hallelujah" with 12 and "Carolina in my Mind" with eight. On the off chance I grow weary of one version, I can switch to another and repeat the process.

Some might consider all of this just OCD. Which, I'm sure to some degree it is. But I think the existence and spiritual properties of the labyrinth show that I'm not the only one to find peace in doing again, and again, and again. Repetition: It's good for the soul. Or at least it's good for mine.

Labyrinth photo from here.

The train ain't even left the station

Song of the Week: Oh Children by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds



I love this song so much. Though I just bought it a week ago it's already making it's way up my most played list. And severely infringing on my Christmas music listening in the process. But I don't care. The song played on repeat all day today and I just can't get enough. It makes me happy and sad at the same time.

And yes, it's from perhaps my favorite scene in the new Harry Potter movie, when Harry and Hermione dance. The second time I saw the movie it just made me sob. Two teenagers in the midst of a journey they shouldn't have to be on just trying to have a light-hearted moment while dancing to this heartbreakingly beautiful song.

I'm stressed and anxious 95% of the time so when something calms me I run with it. And right now, this song is giving me peace.

My favorite verses:

Hey, little train! We're jumping on./

The train that goes to the Kingdom./

We're happy, Ma, we're having fun./

And the train ain't even left the station.

Hey, little train! Wait for me!/

I once was blind but now I see./

Have you left a seat for me?/

Is that such a stretch of the imagination?

Hey, little train! Wait for me!/

I was held in chains but now I'm free./

I'm hanging in there, don't you see./

In this process of elimination.

Hey, little train! We're jumping on./

The train that goes to the Kingdom./

We're happy, Ma, we're having fun./

It's beyond my wildest expectation.

How sweet it is to feel the Earth move under my feet

Concert pictures on my Flickr.

The event that spurred this trip South was the James Taylor and Carole King concert. I came to love their music through my mom so when the tour was announced it was a given I couldn't go without her. With dates in the middle of the week for both D.C. and NC, we settled on the Charlotte show, which meant we got to go with my aunt, too.

It was a wonderful show. Three hours full of every song you could imagine and would want them to sing. Basically two concerts in one. The stage was in the round and constantly turning and we had amazing seats. My pictures didn't come out great, however, but that's ok. The most wonderful thing was that they sound exactly the same, or even better, as they do on CD. JT has the melodic and peaceful voice that soothes me, while Carole King has such a powerful voice, more than I realized, and the energy of someone half her age.

Of course the highlight for this Carolina Girl was when JT sang "Carolina in my Mind." And now having heard him sing it live I get to cross an item off my bucket list. Just perfection, all around.

Born in a cross fire hurricane, died in a fire

I just finished watching the 2008 concert film/documentary "Shine a Light" about The Rolling Stones and directed by Martin Scorsese. I am not a huge Stones fan and only have a few of their songs, but I absolutely love Scorsese and all the previews of the movie looked interesting. In addition to all of the beautifully shot and performed songs, there was also some interesting behind-the-scenes footage and some even more interesting old interview clips of the band.

But of course, since this is me and I am anything but normal, I think what I will remember most about the movie is the following exchange between Scorsese and some set designer or assistant.

Assistant:  If Mick stands in front of the light for more than 18 seconds, he'll burn.
Scorsese:  What do you mean "burn"?
Assistant:  He'll burn up. He'll get too hot.
Scorsese:  You mean, like flames?
Assistant:  He might catch on fire.
Scorsese:  We can't do that. We cannot burn Mick Jagger. Very simple.

Scorsese didn't seem alarmed, he wasn't smirking, and there was no devilish twinkle in his eye. It was just said very simply with the perfect amount of incredulity. Incredulous that he even had to clarify that Jagger could not be set aflame. And yet also incredulous that he couldn't use the light he wanted to make the film exactly as he wanted.

Perhaps some deeper meaning is buried in this exchange, some play on the title, "shine a light." But I'm tired. And I really do think Scorsese just didn't see setting fire to a rock and roll legend as conducive to his art.

Pure genius, that man.

The most wonderful time of the year!

I listened to Christmas music almost the entire way back to D.C. on the train today. (Only "almost the entire way back" because my battery died.) I normally start listening to Christmas music on November 1. Don't judge. I never decorate until after T'giving, but I have an obscene amount of music and like to get as much play from it as possible. But this year, I got hooked on some other music, and didn't start the Christmas joy until this weekend. I don't know what I was waiting for. Christmas music makes me as happy as fountains and chandeliers and chocolate!

His game is called survivin'

Today was a Clash kind of day.

It started as a Carrie Underwood kind of day, but my work wasn't getting done and clearly she was to blame.

The iPod: the only place where The Clash and Carrie Underwood can live in harmony.

Friday Soapbox: U2 Edition

Time for another happy soapbox post. For the past two weeks I've been listening to U2 pretty much non-stop. I've been making note of my favorite lines, because that's just what I do. Thus I present a non-exhaustive selection of some of my favorites. No promises that all the lyrics are correct as it's practically a guarantee with me that there will be a misheard lyric or two. Or ten.

After the flood all the colors came out
Beautiful Day

Love left a window in the skies, and to love I rhapsodize
Window in the Skies

If your way should falter, along this stormy pass
It's just a moment, this time will pass
Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of

I wasn't jumping, for me it was a fall
It's a long way down to nothing at all
Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of

Lift my days, light up my nights
Mysterious Ways

If you want to kiss the sky better learn how to kneel
Mysterious Ways

I found grace inside a sound, I found grace it's all I found
Breathe

Free at last
They took your life
They could not take your pride
Pride (In the Name of Love)

Where you live should not decide, whether you live, or whether you die
Crumbs from Your Table

Can you see the beauty I had inside of me?
What happened to the beauty I had inside of me?
City of Blinding Lights

Baby slow down, the end is not as far as the start
Please stay a child somewhere in your heart
Original of the Species

I believe in the kingdom come, when all the colors will bleed into one
I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

You've got to cry without weeping
Talk without speaking
Scream without raising your voice
Running to Stand Still

I was speeding on the subway, through the stations of the cross
Moment of Surrender

I know it aches and your heart it breaks and you can only take so much
Walk On

And if your glass heart should crack and for a second you turn back
Oh no, be strong
Walk On

How long must we sing this song?
Sunday Bloody Sunday

Every generation gets a chance to change the world
I Know I'll Go Crazy if I Don't Go Crazy Tonight

Can you hear me when I sing
You're the reason I sing
You're the reason why the opera is in me
Sometimes You Can't Make it On Your Own

The worst of us are a long drawn-out confession
The best of us are geniuses of compression
Cedars of Lebanon

And many, many more...

Day 305: If you never try than you'll never know

Today was pretty much an awesome day, with lots of good new. (Long post, lots of pictures.)

It began with my company's annual staff meeting/Halloween party. I wore a tutu that I made. Both new as I've never previously worn nor made a tutu. I'm afraid it could be addicting. I tried it on the night before and did a load of laundry whilst wearing it. Best load of laundry ever.

Making the tutu with a red carpet of tulle. Tutorial on laptop on left, Giants game on TV on right. Doesn't everyone make their tutus whilst watching football?
In progress.
Final product. My only caveats are that I couldn't find wings, and that it's too poufy, as it wasn't techinally tulle, but another kind of netting, that refused to lie down.

We had breakfast and lunch and played games, including taking the latest citizenship test. I was one of two people, out of 60 total, to get all the questions correct! Now not only am I a knowledgeable U.S. citizen, I'm also $50 richer in AmEx gift cards for my dedication! (Sadly, I don't have pictures from the party, as the ladybug had no pockets, thus the ladybug had no camera.)

After actually having to work in the afternoon, and then an almost-nap at home, I set out for the Coldplay concert in downtown D.C. This is my first concert in almost three years, my first concert in D.C. and of course, my first time seeing Coldplay.

I had great lower-level seats (also a new thing) and they played all of my favorite songs. Chris Martin has manic energy that was catching and it just got better and better. And I mean that, as a little more than halfway through the show they took off the stage and into the crowd, to perform "The Scientist" and one other song, 3 ROWS FROM ME!!!! I was second seat from the aisle when they ran by and could have touched Chris Martin. (I tried, but didn't quite make it. And honestly, I may have recoiled, as he was 90% sweat. I love Coldplay, but I don't love sweat.)

They didn't glow this much in real life, even with the sweat. And Mr. Big Head in the black shirt is not a member of the band. Had I had an apple with me, I would have thrown it at his big neck.
Overall it was an amazing night and I have so much respect and admiration for them as artists and performers. My pictures aren't great as I stupidly adhered to the "no cameras" rule on the ticket and only had my phone, but they'll do until I can get some from the guy who sat beside me.

Day 246: If she wants to rock, she rocks/if she wants to roll, she rolls

Creature of habit, that's me. Over and over and over. I listened to the same song today on my iPod, over and over, on both my morning and evening commutes. And in between whilst at work, too. Specifically, Rock and Roll by Eric Hutchinson. I was tired and stressed and it just sounded good.

Day 241: Getting some culture

Long week, but luckily, it will end in a long weekend. Sadly, however, Labor Day means summer is officially on the way out, which means friends are arriving, friends are leaving, things are changing. Yuck. But today I made one last grasp before the change starts, and went to a free performance at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage. Elizabeth and I saw Bilja Krstic and Bistrik Orchestra, from the Balkans.
It was my first visit to the Kennedy Center, which was beautiful, and the orchestra was great. Good mix of instruments and some a cappella. And since Elizabeth took Serbian at UNC, I even got to understand some of what they were saying.

Lots of flags:Ooh, shiny.

Day 214: Mamma mia, here I go again.

To say au revoir to this hellish week, I went and saw "Mamma Mia!" It was the perfect light and funny and drama-free antidote. The music made me want to dance in the aisles, if I danced in public, which I don't. But I did dance when I got home, with my iPod in like in the iPod commercials, to "Dancing Queen" and "Gimme Gimme." I've never danced to Abba and I've never danced with my iPod in. And I've never danced for about six minutes straight, quite the workout.

Day 199: We all live in a yellow submarine

As much as I love the Beatles, and I do, very very much, I really don't like "Yellow Submarine." I just don't. Give me "Something" or "Hey Jude" or "Let it Be" and I will be set for hours. But in need of a new thing, preferably one that could be done whilst ironing, I decided to iron standing on one foot while alternating humming "Yellow Submarine" and "Eye of the Tiger." I have no idea why, but once starting on Submarine, it inexplicably veered into the latter. And as it is quite hard to iron on one foot and maneuver a dress and hot iron, I didn't question my brain's decision. I hardly ever do.