Can you listen to music and write? What song did you hear today?

I have music playing as I type this. So, the answer to today's burning question must be (drum roll please)............ YES! I can indeed listen to music and write at the very same time! Thrilling news isn't it?

Not to toot my own horn but I can also walk and chew bubble gum at the same time, rub my tummy and pat my head, cook dinner while talking on the phone, clean the kitchen while my kids are in the bath (don't anyone rush to turn me into CPS for that one, they have had two years of swimming lessons so I figure they are good to go), cook breakfast and make lunches in one fluid motion, eat dinner while correcting homework, and rock a toddler to sleep while planning my holiday dinner menu. Yes, I am that talented. Oh, and guess what? I am usually listening to music the WHOLE time! Can you believe it? Alright alright, I confess, when I am rocking the rugrat I am actually the one doing making the music. And my singing does not really qualify as music but the kid seems to enjoy it. Either that or she just falls asleep as a way to end the misery, which works for me.

My point is this: music is an inescapable part of my life. It is always in the background, blended into the tapestry of daily life. It inspires me, gives me motivation when I am sorely lacking, cheers me up when I am down, provides the perfect accompaniment to a romantic evening or a holiday celebration, magically transports me back in time, keeps me awake during long drives, gets me singing at my highest volume when only my kids are listening, tricks me into thinking I have mad dance skills, gives my littlest one an opportunity to shake her bum, gives my husband an excuse to do his best George Jones impression, continually puts a smile on my face, and, according to my sister, gives voice to our emotions.

Today I am listening to Christmas music because I can. The Christmas music season is short, may as well start early. I heard Eartha Kitt's "Santa Baby" and I gave it a thumbs down. I gave "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" and "Frosty the Snowman" a thumbs down too. "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" also got axed. It is my Pandora station after all and I am not going to waste my short window of opportunity on songs that grate on my nerves. Instead I gave Kelly Clarkson's "Oh Holy Night", "Carol of the Bells" by BarlowGirl and Frank Sinatra's "I'll be Home for Christmas" all a great, big thumbs up.

I think that sufficiently answers the question. The better question would be; when is Switchfoot going to put out a Christmas album?

And by the way, I just 86'd "Jingle Bell Rock".