More on Parades

On my last blog post, I talked about songs that made my hit parade. Girls were girls and men were men. Those were the days. This led me to thinking about parades in general. Fall and winter seem to be THE time of year for parades: Homecoming, Thanksgiving, Christmas. Living in the "small" town of Jenks, the Homecoming Parade is one that you go to if you are a parent or student at Jenks Public Schools. Otherwise, you are inundated with float after float of elementary football and cheer teams. Then float after float of middle school teams. Then the high school club for this and that. The band. The pom squad. It is highly boring in large part because they aren't "allowed" to throw candy to spectators anymore. So you just stand and wave at each other. So that's definitely one to miss.

Now the Christmas parade here in Jenks is typically before Thanksgiving thus lending confusion to those too young to realize that capitalism is king. "Mommy, why is the Christmas parade before Thanksgiving?" Well sweetie, it's like how the stores put out Christmas decorations in October. They want your money. Ok, yes, I'm a little cynical about this but really? Does the Christmas parade HAVE to be before Thanksgiving? 

I've never been to a Thanksgiving parade but I'm a dedicated fan of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. That is a must-see holiday tradition. The giant balloons and the pageantry and the giving of thanks by one and all. Just splendid! Attending that parade in person is on my bucket list for sure!

One of my favorite Christmas traditions is watching the Christmas parade on TV, sipping on some eggnog, surrounded by the aftermath of wrapping paper and presents, all cozy in my jammies. No one else in my family likes eggnog so it's the one time I splurge and buy it. It's something that my dad and I used to do when I was a kid and it makes me feel just a little like he's still right there by my side, making fun of the people freezing their tushes at the parade. He's so lucky that he gets to be at Jesus' real birthday party in heaven.

And finally, the Rose Bowl parade is always a gorgeous affair and it's awe-inspiring how intricate those floats are. Definitely want to go to one of those someday!

On an unrelated note, I finished my latest quilt (really my 4th one ever) for a dear friend of mine. She doesn't know I made it and I'm about to burst with the secrecy of it. This quilt was made over the course of the last month and I put prayer after prayer into it. I can't wait to send it to her! Here is a peek!

It's a jelly roll quilt that could be reversible!

Songs that made the Hit Parade

Have you ever sang karaoke? I have always been of two thoughts when considering singing in front of strangers:
1. It would have to be a totally awesome song that everyone knows but isn't TOO tired as a karaoke song.
2. It would have to be a song that actually makes me sound decent and not like a frog.
3. Ok, I have three. An adult beverage or two beforehand for courage might be required.

I've got a couple in mind, especially for a duet. First would be the theme song to "All In the Family." Yes, I know this show officially ended before I was even born. However, my dad and I watched it all the time, along with MASH, Hogan's Heroes, Gomer Pyle, and lots of other oldies-but-goodies on Nick at Nite. I am not sure I understand those shows to this day but I can sure sing that theme song. Jeff does a pretty good Archie too! So that's on the list.

One of my favorite things about the Smithsonian was seeing their chairs displayed there. 

Next would be some angry song, likely "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette. Almost anyone can do an angry song so I should be good there and I've always appreciated good irony.

Speaking of songs, Hunter and I have a new favorite song. Here's a clip.

We heard this separately in our different church services and we both loved it right away! Such a powerful song!

Another song that has made my hit parade recently is that one about base and treble. You know it. It's about being proud of your own God-given body and while not completely wholesome, has a good message for girls and women. 

And one last song that marshals my parade, this week especially, is this one:

It's Bedlam this Saturday! Beat OSU! Boomer Sooner!