Random Friday (nr 1)

I thought I'd introduce a new kind of post in my blog. This one is not only inspired by, but straight up copied, from one of the blogs I follow; Zandria's blog. I found Zandria when I was looking for inspiration for my 101-things-in-1001-days-list back in January and February of 2008.

From now on you'll be able to find Random Friday posts in this blog. The posts will be published on Fridays and the content will be random; stuff that don't really belong anywhere or isn't enough to make a proper post about.

Here's the first one:

1. Monday night I worked late; attending, and leading, a meeting I've been looking forward to, and dreading, for a year and a half. The meeting marked an important milestone in a project I started working on 5 years ago. But I knew I'd get to see people that are upset with me and the company I work for.

This whole project is very important. The outcome has a large impact on many people and, not to forget, the environment. I'm proud of being involved in doing something that people will benefit from even a hundred years from now. But there's this other part. The people that will suffer negative consequences today. (Or rather in about two or three years.) The people that make me feel a bit guilty for doing what I'm doing here. Funny how something awesome also has a darker side.

2. Wednesday evening this project had me really tested by one man, his wife and two sons. I was exhausted by the time I got home as I was so tensed up knowing they'd show up and then all through the "conversation". There wasn't much of a conversation going on though. They argued. They were aggressive. They threatened. They were rude. They made snarky remarks. They refused to listen and understand. They interrupted. They insulted my intelligence. They questioned our knowledge. They called Sweden a dictatorship.

I feel good about how I handled it all. I tried to explain and answer their questions in a calm way. I stayed quiet when I realized they wouldn't listen to my words anyways. I didn't provoke them even if I felt like it. I tried to let the worst parts run off me like water on a goose.

3. Yesterday I made my first purchase at iTunes! A week ago my friend EssJay posted about hearing one of her favourite songs three times in one day while being in the car. She posted to a YouTube-clip of Ingrid Michaelson's Maybe. And I loved the song!

I tried buying Ingrid's new album (Everybody) but it wasn't available to me in Sweden through iTunes. So instead, I got one of her previous albums; Girls and Boys.

4. Work took me to my old university yesterday. As I was half an hour early for my meeting, I took a walk around the building I spent many years in. Scary how some things look exactly the same and others have completely changed! The smell was the same and so were the sounds. The conversations around me were the same as they were 10 years ago. The furniture were new in the café. And some departments have moved floors.

I often get nostalgic over my years as a student, but I honestly wouldn't want to go back. And yesterday made me even more sure of that.

Songs that make me smile

There are songs out there that make me smile. Some make me laugh. Others simply make me feel good.

Sandstorm by Darude - I love the beat of this song. Love it! I find it impossible to stand or sit still while listening to it. The song came out in 1999 and I listened to it a lot. Darude is from Finland and this song became very popular in Scandinavia. I was happy to hear it on dance floors in Canada the year after.

Everybody's Free (To Wear Sunscreen) by Baz Luhrmann - This song was inspired by an essay written by a Mary Schmich and published as a column in the Chicago Tribune in 1997. There are so many clever things said in this "speech", go check out the column for the advice.

Happiness is an option, Paninaro, To Step Aside, New York City Boy and I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing by Pet Shop Boys - Well, what can I say? I'm a Pet Shop Boys-fan... And have been since I was 14 and saw a cute guy from Prague, Chech Republic, wear a Pet Shop Boys-pin on his blue jacket. These songs are from different eras and albums of the PSB-history. I could've added more. I often use Pet Shop Boys as a pick-me-up. (And Shel, I chose that specific YouTube-clip to I wouldn't normally do this kind of thing as I thought you'd love the dancers!)

Another Chance by Roger Sanchez - Do you remember the video to this tune? A woman walking around carrying a red heart.

Superhero by Sky - This is childish, cute and fun. I don't know how I stumbled on Sky but it happened during my year as an exchange student in Canada. Sky is a band from Quebec. I own the album that this song comes from and I sometimes listen to it while sewing. Makes me smile.

Popular by Nada Surf - One of my old MTV-favourites. The lyrics come from a mid-60's teen advice book called Penny's Guide to Teen-Age Charm and Popularity. I find it hilarious. And sad. At the same time. But the beat and the guitars make me smile.

When I'm Up (I can't get down) by Great Big Sea - I was introduced to Great Big Sea on my first visit to Canada ten years ago. This song makes me sing out loud. Especially if I'm on my bike listening to it on my mp3-player.

And I found this boy by Maia Hirasawa - I think this is Maia's first hit in Sweden. At least, it was the first song I heard by her. Listening to this, my head starts to bop from side to side.

Children by Robert Miles - MTV. MTV. MTV. Remember the black and white video? The beat finds me. And the melody in the "chorus". And I move around. With a smile.

If I had $1,000,000 by Barenaked Ladies - If you haven't heard this song, you've missed out on one of the happiest, funniest and comical songs ever. And the band is Canadian. Of course. :) This one makes me laugh. Not just smile.

Angel by Shaggy - Memories. Memories. Memories. And I sway from side to side. And sing along.

I won't let the sun go down on me by Nik Kershaw - This is pure nostalgia!


Having listened to all these songs now I'm all smiles!

Songs that make me cry

I've said it before; I cry easily. I also get goosebumps quite easily.

Here are a couple of songs that make me tear up. At least most of the time. If there aren't tears, I at least get goosebumps.

Gabriellas sång performed by Helen Sjöholm - This song is from a Swedish movie called Såsom i himmelen/As It Is in Heaven. I loooove how vulnerable Helen sounds and how clear her voice is. (I think you can enjoy it without knowing Swedish...)

Broken Promise Land by Weeping Willows - One of my favourite bands! The singer Magnus Carlson has the most emotional voice I know. When he's hurting, you not only hear it, you feel it. (My absolute favourite song is called While I'm still strong, but I couldn't find that one on YouTube for you to listen to. It's amazing.)

Anthem performed by Tommy Körberg - Tommy has one of Sweden's best voices! Anthem comes from the musical Chess in which he played The Russian. I get serious goosbumps listening to this song. Serious.

Guldet blev till sand performed by Peter Jöback - This song comes from the Swedish musical Kristina från Duvemåla/Kristina from Duvemåla. I've always liked Peter Jöback's voice and he does this song real good. He starred as Robert in the musical.

Somebody by Depeche Mode - I wrote a paper on Depeche Mode in 5th grade and while researching I heard this song for the first time. It floored me completely. And it still does. And I don't think I've ever been able to listen to it without tearing up.

I can't make you love me performed by George Michael - Is this a sad song or what? I love this section: I'll close my eyes and then I won't see/The love you do not feel, when you're holding me/Morning will come, and I'll do what's right/Just give me till then, to give up this fight/And I will give up this fight.

Heaven by Bryan Adams - It might be nostalgia, it might not. I get teary. I admit it. Without shame.


Did any of these songs make you tear up? Or at least give you goosebumps?

What are your crying songs?