The Music Bed - Open House

So there's this website called The Music Bed. I discovered it a few months ago and after I found it, I kind of wanted to share it with every filmaker, photographer and client.  

TMB is Music Licensing for filmmakers, photographers, non-profits & production companies. In a nutshell, the music on the site is pretty rad, affordable and legal. I was surprised when I found out that this company is located in my town. Friday, TMB had an open house and I went. Orginally, Trey was suppose to go with me, but an hour before heading to the party, he got called to work. Even though I was scared as hell, to go by myself (because I knew most of the people there would be with a group of friends or with a partner and I would be all by myself) I still decided to go. There was an open bar, Chimmy's Food Truck and live entertainment. Everyone was super nice at the party and I ended up staying for over two hours. 

The main reason why I wanted to go was becasue I don't know that many filmmakers in this town and I knew it would be a great opportunity to network. I met a few people and also met the lead singer of the band, Afterlife Parade. Interesting fact - I purchased the music license (from the music bed) of Afterlife Parade for the Crummel Wedding. I had no idea that a few months later, I'd be watching them play at the music bed. Talk about coincidence. 

Afterlife Parade is also on Spotify, so I've been listening to their new album on there too. 

Here is a link to the music bed's website. 

The I* Word - *Injured & My Week in Photos

I'll cry about my injury later, but first this...

The day my complimentary sirus subscription ends, is going to be a sad day. As much as I'd like to renew it, I don't see that happening. I don't recall what the exact numbers where, to keep it, but I remember thinking, no way, am I going to pay that each month for radio. 

But I can enjoy it, while I still have it....At the moment, my favorite station is ALT Nation. It's alternative music, I rarely hear on the radio. Shins, Silversun Pickups, Matt and Kim, and more.

It's been a photo-tastic week, at home and at work.

This week, I've been taking headshots of faculty and staff. I don't have a studio, so this is my make-shift studio. It gets the job done. At the end of the day, I put my equipment away and the area is used as a skills lab, for nursing students.

My Ankle's Giving Me Grief
When it comes to running, I've dealt with sore muscles, cranky pain that has lasted a few days, and I've had to sit out for a few months because of pregnancy. but I've never had a full blown injury ===== WEll, not until now. 

I'm going on two weeks with my ankles feeling like crap. I think it's a combination of two things: 
1. Getting back into running, after having to take time off (pregnancy) 
2. My running shoes

I got these shoes right before I stopped running. However, I used them all the time for cross training, but I don't think they agree with my running feet. The other week, I ran 10 miles (not all at once, over the course of a week) in them and that's when the problems started. 

When I get to the point, when I'm feeling well enough to run again, I'm going to go back to using my old running shoes. They have a ton of miles on them, but I think it will be better than wearing the Altra's. In the meantime, I need to heal and decide what kind of running shoes I will buy next.  

I Want to See Tears!!!!!

Surprise! I have a graduation gift for a special someone and she's finding out the same way you are via blogger. I'm taking my little sister, Natasha, to a Drake Concert this spring! But before I hand her ticket over, she has to cry for it. Why? Because she told me she would cry if I took her. TEARS! I want to see TEARS, woman!

You see, a while back I told her about the show and I kind of mis-lead her into thinking it was a closed event, only for UTA faculty, staff, and students. Which, is kind of true. Only those listed, can PURCHASE tickets. HOWEVER, those listed can also bring guests. Lucky for her, right?

Do you know who Drake is? Trey didn't, but that didn't surprise me? Yesterday, he just found out who Salma Hayek is and he's been known to confuse Katy Perry, music with Justin Bieber. 

I'm so proud of Natasha. She deserves to go out and have fun. She's a single teenage mother, works part-time, is about to graduate from high school, and did I mention she's really smart? Her math grades make me sick (only because I struggled with math) and don't even ask about her ACT score (oh, yeah -- I chocked on my ACT, but I totally kicked butt in college: top graduate award). I'm just really proud of her and I'm looking forward to taking her to the show. 
 Also, joining us will be Brittany and Artese. As soon as Brittany found out about the Drake concert, she started harassing me to purchase tickets, our friendship depended on it. Ha, not really. We're all excited about the show.


P.S. I planned on blogging about something else. Remember those pictures I had mentioned, yesterday? --- BUT I was so excited to share this news with Tasha. That post can wait.

Morning Face Running Playlist

It's been a while, but here is my new playlist. This should entertain me for at least two weeks. Am I missing any songs? Let me know. Lately, I've had this song stuck in my head...talk about an awesome song to run to. Another thing, I'm really loving the Mumford and Sons, Sigh No More, album. It's not exactly running music, but I threw one song in the mix.

Even though Trey was out and about this weekend at the Kiss concert and Dallas Cowboys game, he has been fighting a terrible sinus infection. So, Saturday and Sunday I stayed close to home, so he could sleep in. Needless to say, I didn't get a chance to run my 10 miler.  However, I did run 3 miles Saturday morning and Sunday I did some P90X: YogaX. On that note, I think Cheyenne is going to be a little yogi. She woke up, while I was working out, so I gave her a yoga mat and she tried to copy me as I was doing all the yoga positions. She got frustrated during the balancing poses, but she can do downward dog like a champ...that's my girl. Oh, you know what would be cute? If I could find her little workout clothes! Adorable.

Lollypop Marathon Training Playlist

When I run, I like to keep my energy up and it seems like pop music is the trick. Don't laugh too hard, but yes -- that is Justin Bieber you see on my playlist Haha! Don't hate, appreciate. I go through different music moods, I have another playlist I'm working on that has more of an indie-rock-feel. I'll start listening to that music when I get tired of this one.

8 miler this weekend! By the way, the marathon I'm running is scheduled this winter, so I have several months of training.

The Marathon Itch

This music mix I created for the half was way too long. I had over two hours and eighteen minutes worth of music. Way too much for a two hour run, so not every song popped up during the race. Next time, I'll know to make it shorter.

This was my PowerSong. Maroon 5: Harder to Breathe. It's the drum line that I love.

Now that I've participated in two half marathons, I'm getting the itch...The Marathon Itch. The half times two. 26.2 miles. Yikes! I've been looking for either a fall '10 or spring '11 race because I don't want to run a full marathon in January or February (too cold and windy). There is the White Rock Marathon, but it's in Dallas (BLAH). I found a small race in Fort Worth scheduled for this fall. I can do the half or full, depending on how bad I hate myself. HaHaHa.

So, that's where I'm at. I think once I commit myself to a race, I will buckle down with the full marathon training. For now, I will continue to train like I'm running a half and maybe sign up for races along the way. Maybe a 5K, 10K, and even another Half. Here is the training I will continue:

Weekly
1X cross train
2X short run 3 miles minimum
1X long run 6 miles minimum

But it's the racing that holds me accountable.

A Day and a Half Late Run

Distance 12 Miles
Time 1:56:28
Pace Per Mile 09:42
Temperature 34 degrees 
Notes: Mile Eleven SUCKED! I wanted to quit, but kept moving. I had to keep reminding myself only one more mile...only one more mile. I ran through it and it felt good. 


Yes, I finally got to go running. After church, Trey got back from his service call and we had a quick lunch together, while Cheyenne napped. I let my food settle and then I was out the door. I was gone for nearly two hours! And that is why I prefer morning runs. I don't like blocking out 2 hours  in the middle of my day, but I'm married to a service tech...that's what I gotta do sometimes. Okay, we've been having some bone chilling weather. To my knowledge, it's been as low at 14 degrees...maybe lower. So, maybe it worked out for the best that I couldn't go running, so early, these last two days because I think we know I would've been out there. I've been told I'm crazy on more than one occasion. Everyone has a their thing. For example, Trey loves football. You may like music...Well, I love running. It's hard to explain my love hate relationship with this sport, but for the most part I love it. 


So, I ran 12 miles, the longest distance I've ever gone at one time. I don't think I want to train more than 12 miles for the 13.1 half marathon race. I feel like 12 miles of training can carry me through the last 1.1. Plus, I think my body will kick my butt if I try to push myself any more before race day. 

It's hard to tell in this picture but the Trinity River froze. A sheet of ice covered the surface, it was definitely a sight to see.

Here is a song from Paramore. This song is on my playlist. I'm already looking for new music..gotta keep it fresh and interesting. Taking suggestions....

Early Winter Playlist

I finally updated my playlist. Paramore came out with their new album, Brand New Eyes and I liked it so much, I added just about every song to this list. Good thing, I'm running for more than an hour.
Well, it's a new year and I printed out a new calendar to document my runs. COWTOWN is next month and I'm starting to get really excited and a little scared about the weather conditions. I hear we are about to have an artic blast cold front....BRRRR! And Saturday morning, it may be in the teens. I'm not sure how I feel about running in those conditions.

Get Me Right

Alright, I updated my running playlist, for my long run this Saturday. I'm not sure how many miles I want to run this weekend. I may run ten--that is-- if I'm brave. It's crazy that my running playlist is right under two hours. And to think this whole running adventure began with one 5K race. Now I'm training for a half marathon.

Okay, back to the music. I downloaded new stuff. The new Dashboard Confessional album dropped last week, so I've been listening to it at least twice a day. It's songwriting at its best. I have several albums of DC and it seems like in the fall and winter I seem to play it more often. I started listening to DC, my sophomore year of high school, ever since I can't get enough. I'm glad they/(he) is still making music.

Here is my favorite song on the new album. It's about the honest struggle of sin.

Get Me Right - Dashboard Confessional
So, what do you think? Honestly.
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Today, I'm thankful for my family. They love and support me and I appreciate them will all my heart. Sometimes, they are the only ones that are willing to put up with me. Thanks, you are the best!

Running Playlist

I will put this playlist on shuffle, but here it is. The playlist is over an hour and a half, which should get me through a long run.
So, I was listening to the radio and heard a familar chorus line. It was the same chorus in Imogen Heap's song, Hide and Seek. I first heard of Imogen when I downloaded the Last Kiss Soundtrack, which by the way is an amazing soundtrack and movie. The remix that Jason Derulo did is pretty good, but I really like the original version too. I never imagined this song would be remixed, but it works.

Imogen Heap's Version
Imogen Heap - Hide and Seek (Ooh, Whatcha Say Intro) by lucaslubin

Jason Derulo's Version/Remix of Hide & Seek. His version is called whatcha-say. If you haven't heard this song on the radio, don't worry, by the end of the week/month/year radio stations will play it to death.

Whatcha Say - Jason Derulo

Running Playlist (this week)

I was reading RW Magazine and runner, Kara Goucher, shared her Boston Marathon playlist.

Speaking of Goucher, I think we bare mild resembalence to each other. I asked Trey and he agrees. Although, he said her abs look better than mine. What? It's true, but what do you expect? She's a professional athlete. That still didn't stop me from pushing Trey and telling him that was a mean thing to say. Hahaha. Seriously, though we could pass as relatives.

Anyways, I thought I'd share my current running playlist.

Recently, I started listening to country music. When we lived in Abilene, I use to listen to it occasionaly while I cooked, now I find myself listening to it in the car. This is new to me. Maybe it's because I'm in Ft. Worth and it just seems like it's part of the culture. I guess. My favorite country song right now is Jason Aldean's Big Green Tractor. I like to sing it with a long Texas drawl....Ya'll!

On a side note, I asked Trey if he could build a dinning table and he said he could he just doesn't have all the tools he needs to make it the way he'd like. The tools, it never ends......So, now I'm leaning towards the laundry bins.

The Latest from the Doctors Office

Nothing really new to report. No dilation and it looks like I'm right on schedule for a Thanksgiving baby. Great, 3 more weeks carrying this bowling ball.

To me, she hasn't dropped much, but the doctor said she has moved down since last week, but obviously still needs to move down more. I didn't lose or gain any weight, which is a big change from my 4 lb. gain in one week (during my last weigh-in).

Well, Trey is finally back in town. I really missed him too. Last night, I checkout a few DVD's from the public library, so we spent the evening snuggled on the couch watching Perfect Stranger. I wanted to go out for dinner, but Trey was so sick of eating out, so I made him one of his favorites, burritos.

Orginally, I was going to talk him into taking me to the House of Blues to see the Umbrellas, a band I really like, but he was exhausted after working so hard. I've seen the band perform in LA at The Knitting Factory, so I figured I'd just catch them the next time they pass through Dallas.

Today, we made lunch plans to go out and I have a date this morning with the treadmill. Other than that no big plans.

Morning Commuter: Part II of II

Since I do commute every weekday morning, I'm constantly looking for things to keep me occupied while driving. Part I of this post inclined I would subscribe to an audio book club, but since then I've changed my mind. I am a woman, so this should be no surprise. Someone mentioned the public library and so I looked into it. I went a few days ago and walked out with two audio books and a few cd's: Jonny Lang, Liz Phair, and Yellowcard. I'm definitely going back to check out more audio books and cd's. They have a pretty good selection of Radiohead, all of which I think I own, but it’s still cool that they even have ‘em.

My primary interest, as far as reading material goes, is in classic literature....Harper Lee, Jack Kerouac, J.D. Salinger, George Orwell, Ray Bradbury, Burroughs, etc. I’ve always wanted to read a Separate Peace so I snatched that one. It’s currently playing in my car. Thus far it’s been slow, but hopefully it’ll pick-up.

As for the cd’s, I’m really into the Jonny Lang album. Good blues and soul music. It just makes me want to dance.

Hands Down, But Not When You're Driving

You know those days when you get in the car and you feel like turning up the radio and singing to your favorite song as loud as you can? Well, earlier today I had to drive out of town to record a legal deposition. On my way home I was thinking of my junior year of high school and popped in a familiar tune of Dashboard. I reached over and cranked-up the radio and screamed the lyrics at the top of my lungs:

"Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember,
I'll always remember the sound of the stereo,
the dim of the soft lights,
the scent of your hair that you twirled in your fingers
and the time on the clock when we realized it's so late
and this walk that we shared together.
The streets were wet
and the gate was locked so I jumped it,
and I let you in.
And you stood at your door with your hands on my waist
and you kissed me like you meant it.
And I knew that you meant it,
that you meant it"

I'm so glad nobody was driving near my vehicle. I'm sure I looked like a mad women. But you know, it felt so good singing. It was great. I strongly recommend it.