Rock Me Amadeus

May 29, 2008 at 1:38 pm (A Penny for my thoughts)
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Old school.  That’s how we kick it in the Z household.  So much so that we did something this morning that neither of us had done for a very long time.  We called into a radio show.  We are now unabashed, true fans as Jason publicly declared his love on the air for 96.9 Bob FM. 

The topic today is What Would You Bring Back?  Jason excitedly dialed the station’s # with his answer ready.  I love my husband; he’s hilarious.  As you may (or may not) know, Jason is an old DJ – having worked for KOKF 91FM for about 15 years.  He still loves it.  So Jason’s answer was Marathon Bars 

I admit, I’d never heard of one of these, but I am 7 years younger than my hubby.  Jason asked me, “So what do you wish they would bring back?”  My answer, “Honey, I’m too young to miss anything.”

Jason’s second answer during his on-air foray was The Guitar Solo.  Ah, good call honey.  I may be young, but this I know to be true.  I am happy to report that Jason’s comment resulted in a tailspin of conversation by the morning show hosts that has become the hot topic of the morning. 

My favorite guitar solos? 

  1. Hotel California – Eagles
  2. Freebird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
  3. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
  4. Pride & Joy – Stevie Ray Vaughan
  5. Barracuda – Heart   ( CHICKS WITH GUITARS RULE!!!!)

Ah, what a great morning.  :)

 

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Manliness

May 28, 2008 at 6:52 pm (A Penny for my thoughts)
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I have a new favorite morning show.  It’s admittedly sort of a guilty pleasure.  It’s not (GASP!) on one of the Christian stations.  Truth be told, the morning shows on the CCM stations here just…well, they suck.  Sorry, there’s no other way to put it.  So while driving Jason to work one morning we began flipping channels and came across the heavenly sounds of rock-n-roll.  Oh yes, the good stuff.  In my opinion, 7:30am is the perfect time for a little Bon Jovi. 

We’ve been hooked ever since. 

Not only is the music great on 96.9 Bob FM(they play what they want, and they have great taste!) The DJs are awesome, and 9 times out of 10, the morning show – hosted by Stacy, Ron, and Phil – will have us laughing.  It’s actually pretty clean too, which is always a plus.  :)

This morning the topic was “Things every man should know how to do”   The phone calls were pretty funny.  One guy mentioned changing a diaper (without throwing up) amen.  An 11 year old boy called in to say that every guy should know at least two dances, one fast and one slow. Wow, casanova at 11!

Well this got me thinking of my own list….I’ll just share 10 of my top things that I think every man should know.  Please comment with a few of your own!

  1. Cook – at least something.  I am the main cook in my house, but over the last 7 years I have been away occasionally leaving Jason to fend for himself.  Now while my man may not be Top Chef material, he can whip up a decent meal – even if his “fancy” ingredient is usually always ketchup. 
  2.  Build an indoor fort – with pillows and old sheets.  Jason did this with Jonah for the first time over Memorial day weekend.  I am pretty sure he went up about a hundred points on the coolness level with Jonah.  Plus, he actually slept in it with Jonah too – 50 bonus points just for that!
  3. Fix the toilet.  There are some things I know how to do but would rather die than do.  This is one of them. 
  4. Properly hook up a stereo system/DVD player/Cable modem, etc…  Some women are very technical; I am not.  I thank God that Jason is.  What takes him 10 minutes to assemble will take me 10 days, or more.
  5. Teach a little boy how to pee standing up.  Yes this applies to men with sons, but it could also apply to helping out a little brother or nephew.  When Jonah really started getting the hang of potty training, I just handed the reins over to Jason.  I just couldn’t stomach the idea of Jonah sitting down to pee.  It just doesn’t look right, and it’s a sure-fire mess. 
  6. Know how to count down pushes during labor.  This skill is an absolute must if you plan on being in the delivery room (and I mean a traditional birth versus a C-section) Pushing the baby out can be likened to an olympic sport – it sure felt like one anyway, and a great cheerleader was highly appreciated!
  7. Be able to change the oil in the car.  This skill is both useful, money-saving, and sexy too.  Jason says it’s not that big of a deal, really.  I think it’s likened to me makng a restaraunt-quality meal from scratch.  You could just go and eat at the restaurant, but how cool are you if you can make it at home?  And you can tip your woman (or man if he’s the cook – with a kiss!)
  8. Catch a baseball.   It seems that just about every dad I know, regardless of athletic ability, wants to teach his child to play catch.  So actually being able to catch the ball is pretty important. 
  9. Read bedtime stories with all the cool voices.  In our home, Jason is in charge of bed-time.  This is one of Jonah’s favorite parts of the day because it means Daddy will read a story, any story and makeup cool voices for all of the characters. 
  10. Every man should know when and why to give flowers.  Hint, hint.  Not all women like flowers, but most seem to.  I like them any old time, preferably not  for a special occasion.  Suprise me!  Wal-mart flowers are perfectly acceptable. 
  11. Okay so I made 11 instead of 10, get over it!  #11 is Pray with and for his family.  I used to have one of those bumper stickers that read “Real Men Love Jesus”.  I find that nothing is more irresitable that a man who takes family matters to the father, who cares enough to pray over the needs of his family.  In my expereince, a man submitted to God loves more deeply, listens more intently, and serves unselfishly. What’s more manly than that?!

 

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The House of Z

May 27, 2008 at 7:50 pm (Uncategorized)
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Memorial day has come and gone.  Can it really be summer already?  Oklahoma seems to be rolling out the welcome mat with unbelievable weather – you may have seen on the national news, we are one crazy, tornado-producing state.  Jonah’s starting to sleep right through them, just like a true Okie does.  :)

I however,am getting a little tired of waking up at 3am to watch the weather forecast as 60+mph winds lash at the windows.  I need a nap.

So Jason’s older brother, Dino and his family (my awesome sister-in-law Rylee and my three nephews, Jaden, Micah, and Eli – ages 10, 7, and 4) all came to stay overnight on Friday so we all could go to a family bbq in Norman on Sat.  Have you ever housed 4 little boys?  It was a little like going to the circus.  One minute they were monkeys – swinging and jumping from various pieces of furniture, then elephants as they thundered overhead upstairs, then acrobats as they tried to fly down the stairs, oh and tigers as they fought now and then.  They were also pirates for a good deal of the night.  The adults gave a collective sigh of relief as they finally dropped off to sleep. 

It was fun to watch Jonah with his cousins.  He just loves them to pieces.  In his eyes, the two older boys, Jaden and Micah, are just about as cool as cool can get.  I remember looking up to my cousins that way when I was small.  There was just nothing better than cousins.  Friends who are family that you don’t have to live with.  The best! 

Jonah is on month 6 of pleading his case for a sibling (even though I keep explaining to him that I can’t just go out and buy a brother or sister for him).  The other day I finally told him to ask Jesus for one.  Jason said that was a mistake -  if Jonah is as persistent with God as he is with us, we’re in big trouble now! 

I’ll keep you posted.  ;)

 

 

 

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Phil 4:7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus

May 23, 2008 at 6:48 pm (The Abundant Life)
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 I was sitting in the mall yesterday waiting to meet up with a friend when I heard Steven Curtis Chapman’s newest single “Cinderella” playing over the loudspeaker.  The song he wrote for his daughters. 

I found that I am still very connected to the Nashville community as I received several emails over the course of Thursday morning sharing the tragedy the Chapman family has faced with the accidental death of their youngest daughter, Maria.  How blessed that family is to have such a wonderful community and church worldwide lifting them up to the Father. 

As I sat there listening to that song in the middle of the mall and looking at my own young son, I simply asked God to fill their family with the peace that passes all understanding.  Because when something like this, so tragic and so senseless happens, it is undoubtedly beyond human understanding. 

Psa 23:4  “Even when I walk through the dark valley of death,* I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Rom 15:13  “So I pray that God, who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Ecc 11:5 “God’s ways are as hard to discern as the pathways of the wind, and as mysterious as a tiny baby being formed in a mother’s womb.”

 

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It’s a Landslide, Baby!

May 22, 2008 at 2:54 am (Idol talk)
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The shock has yet to wear off.  Is it true?  Did Cook really just win by a whopping 12 million votes! Holy   Cow!  I am stoked.  Jason actually jumped off the couch, yelled “YES!” and danced around the room a little.  I love it when my hubby gets all excited over things like American Idol – it helps me remember that I am not the only dork in this house.  :)

I applaud you America for making a great choice – the less obvious choice.  Archie didn’t look too upset – I’m sure Disney is chomping at the bit to get at him.  I can see it now “High School Musical 5 – The New Kid at School” or something like that.

We were also pleased to see the tour mates all singing together – it is going to be a blast!  I’ll make sure to get my camera phone in so I can take a few forbidden shots!

 

 

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It Ain’t Over til the David Sings

May 21, 2008 at 1:41 pm (Idol talk)
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Last night was the bigDavid Sings night – The Rocker vs the Archuleta.  The whole boxing theme was okay at first but got annoying really quickly.  I just wanted to hear them sing and move on with my life.  To tell you the truth, I’m kind of glad AI is over.  I’m ready to have my Tuesday nights back . . . although that will never be said of The Office - I would give up a million Thursdays for it!

I’m going to make this short & sweet because Mandy has a better blog about last night – seriously, her AI posts are dead-on and hilarious.  Mandy, if I see Cook before you do, want me to pass him a note?  “Will you go out with Mandy?  Check Yes, No, or Maybe”  hee hee

Anywho, I must admit that vocally, Archie was stronger last night.  That little boy came to win.  It kind of seems like he wants it more too – or maybe that’s due in part to pressure from his Dad.  Who knows?  I just know that for the first time, he looked very, very determined as opposed to his usually sheepish expression.

David Cook looked ready for it to be over.  Did he concede a little?  Maybe….but then again you never know what will happen with the voting.  I read a couple of interesting blogs yesterday that thought that Cook might not win because fans are afraid he wouldn’t get to make as good of a record if he were tied down in an AI contract.  There’s some merit to that, I think.  If I’ve learned anything from watching this show for the past however many seasons, it’s that winning really isn’t everything.  Sure you get confetti and get the chance to sing badly because you’re happily crying, oh, and your hometown will most likely put up a road sign just for you. 

But it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the best.  In fact, the past two idol winners (in my humble opinion) were just, eh – okay.  I haven’t bought either of their albums.  I don’t really know either of their songs.  Then you have those like Daughrtry and Mandisa who were, what #5 and have made excellent albums.  It just seems like the top position has lost its sparkle over the past few years.

So, I’ve beaten around the bush long enough . . . who do I think will win?  Probably Archie.  He’s the a-typical American Idol – young, an over-comer of sorts, popular with the tweens and teens, and can sing any number of bleeding-heart, swooney ballads.  He is not my thing at all – but hey, to each his own.

I think that Cook is far more of a musician and will go on to make an awesome record that we will eventually own. 

Whatever – so long AI . . . until next year, adieu. 

 

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Yes’m, old friends is always best, ‘less you can catch a new one that’s fit to make an old one out of. (Sarah Orne Jewett)

May 20, 2008 at 3:47 pm (The Abundant Life)
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I’m over it.  My husband will be glad to hear this, and more glad to see me actually follow through.  I’ve been struggling with a particular relationship that has gone down hill for no apparent reason.  No matter what I do, it doesn’t appear that it will recover, and I cannot figure out for the life of me how I wronged the other party; they sure aren’t going to tell me. 

Yesterday I had one of those “final straw” moments and after blathering about it to Jason and listening to his advice, I agreed that it was time to lay it down and move on.  Still, it hurts to do this.  I am fiercely loyal as a friend, armed with tenacity and a heartful of idealistic notions.  I just wanted things to be rosy, and they are far from it. 

C.S. Lewis: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: “What! You, too? Thought I was the only one.”

Does anyone else want to admit that they struggle with a desire to be liked by all?  Don’t be so quick to sneer; some of us do.  This particular friendship had all the markings of a long and prosperous one.  We have known one another for a long time, and when I moved back from Tennessee, you can imagine that I was eager to make friends. 

I love my husband, but a woman always needs her girlfriends. 

I’m thinking now about my little angry post over how disappointed I was with Prince Caspian.  I can’t help but wonder if what was really driving that was this situation.  It’s difficult to see your expectations come crashing down around your ears.  Nothing was like I thought it would be, which is a hard thing and a beautiful thing all at the same time.  Because while this particular friendship has all but fizzled out, I’ve been so incredibly blessed by a host of other incredible new friends through our new church home Realchurch.  I’ve got a good relationship with my in-laws, who I’ve never really known since we’ve always lived far away. My marriage is truly the best it’s ever been.  I am a friend of God.

Yup, it’s about that time to press on and  shake the dust from my feet. 

Romans 5:11 “So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God – all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God.”

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If it Ain’t Broke

May 19, 2008 at 7:13 pm (A Penny for my thoughts)
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Don’t “fix” it.  Period.

You might say I’m a little peeved, or miffed.  Whatever, I’m just annoyed.  What’s brought on all this upset?  A movie.  A movie I had been looking forward to seeing for several months.  One that I had worked up in my mind.  I should know better than to have lofty expectations, especially if it has anything to do with the entertainment industry.  Nine times out of ten, there is a “target” audience.  There’s money to be made.  The integrity of a story is really just not up on the list of priorities when it comes to making a movie.  At least, that’s what I took away from seeing The second installment of The Chronicles of Narnia, Prince Caspian.

First off, had I had any clue as to how violent this one was, I would not  have taken Jonah.  I have read the books, and I thought I knew what to expect.  While Jonah was pretty distracted, and pretty bored throughout the film.  I was pretty surprised at how much they focused on the battles and less on the children, their journey, and Aslan. 

While I realize there are many who did not care for the first one as much, I loved it.  It stuck to the story, which was what I just loved about it, and did not spell everything out for you.  There was something left to the imagination.  Not so in Caspian.  Oh, the director and writers had plenty of imagination, so much that they added completely new things to the story!  I caught myself several times leaning over to Jason to say, “I don’t remember that…” or “But what about….” or “What is this?!” 

Before I go on I must say that they did get some things right.  Many of the new Narnia characters like Reepicheep, Trumpkin, Trufflehunter, Miraz, and Caspian were spot on.  Reepicheep was about the only character Jonah cared about at all.  He was depicted exactly as he is in the books – full of bravery, honor, and pride – and so very cute. Parts of the movie stick very well to the book and they managed to get across some poignant lines and themes, but still . . .

C.S. Lewis was a master wordsmith.  When reading any of his stories there always seems to be a sense of delayed gratification, a need to trust the author.  While Lucy longs to wait for a go to Aslan (who she knows can help them) but gives in to Peter and then Caspian – two headstrong, prideful guys who frankly get tired of waiting and decide to strike out on their own, utilizing their own hasty plans, much to the detriment of the others.  This theme of seeking out Aslan/patience/trust is kind of muddled as the movie itself pushes past some subtle and – in my opinion- essential themes and poignant pieces of dialogue to get to “more exciting” things like battles, flashy animation, oh – and a made up romance. 

It just seems like that the makers of Caspian underestimated their audience.  It’s like offering boxed mac and cheese to a Food & Wine critic. 

So I’ll quit griping.  It looks like they’ll make The Voyage of the Dawn Treader too – let’s hope they get that one right! 

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I’m Growling at that Cat in the Mirror

May 14, 2008 at 2:08 pm (A Penny for my thoughts)
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The title….think Michael Jackson….anyway, I love song titles.  And I’m not growling at the cat in the mirror, but Lucy is.  I forgot how extremely territorial felines can be when it comes to “their”people.  We were reminded of this last week when one og the neighborhood cats came a courtin’ at our patio door, only to be met with Lucy looking like a she-devil with fangs bared and hair raised.  It was really impressive.  That cat hasn’t come back yet.  She’s like a guard-kitty.  :)

The home that we rent was built in the 80s as evidenced by the wetbar and a whole wall, yes a wall, of mirror in the living room.  Also the laundry room/closet doors are mirrors.  Apparently, Lucy didn’t notice til this weekend.  We were chilling in the living room when we suddenly heard a familiar growl and hissing.  We assumed that the male cat had returned only to be spurned again.  But, no.  She was hissing and growling at herself….her own reflection in the wall-mirror.  We had a good laugh while she stared the “other cat” down for a good half hour.

Now this has been a daily occurrence for well over a week.  I try to imagine what she’s thinking.  “How does that cat do it?  It copies my every move.  I’ll get her this time!”  I’ll keep trying to get it on video so you can see it for yourself.  Although, I think she’s starting to soften up a bit towards the mystery cat;

I caught her snuggling with the mirror upstairs this morning. 

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Sing it, Baby!

May 13, 2008 at 6:47 pm (The Abundant Life)
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Last night was a very important night for the Zaragoza family.  Jonah had a childhood milestone – his first school recital.   We talked it up and he practiced his songs (not much at home, he gets all flustered when we put him on the spot) and he chose a special outfit for the occasion – his (really it was mine) Michael Jackson t-shirt, jeans, and his brown shoes.  We fixed his hair like he wanted and even took him to Taco Bell to get spicy rice.  He was ready – or so we thought.

 

We took him to his class and then milled around making introductions and waiting for Jason’s mom and our friend, Raina to appear.  Once seated we watched a video of all the kids at his school doing a song called “Fat Cat”  It was precious, and we got to see Jonah sing.  This video would be our only shot! 

After several adorable and pretty hilarious performances from other classes, it was Jonah’s turn!  He was on the end and looked completely terrified.  He did try to sing, a little, when his hand wasn’t in his mouth.  On the dancing part, he moved one leg.   I felt for him.  It immediately took me back to none other than my first recital. 

I was 4 at Bethany Lutheran Preschool in Austin, Tx.  It was a Christmas recital, and my mom put me in one of those cute, frilly dresses.  I had those awful plastic glasses and a ribbon tied in my hair.  Mom says I was okay til the song really got going.  My nervousness began to show as I crumpled one side of my dress in one hand til I had the danged thing pulled up to my hip.  At least I had tights on or everyone would have seen my Strawberry Shortcake undies, only adding to my humiliation.  So, I was glad that Jonah didn’t cry, throw up, or take his clothes off.

Even after it was over and he got a treat from his teacher, it was obvious he wanted to make like a baby and head out.  As I put him in the bath last night he finally perked up.  “Did I do good Mama?” he asked.  I just laughed, “You were awesome, Jonah.”

It pains me to think he got that little bit of stage fright from me, but at the same time, I love it that he saves his dance moves and silly songs for us. 

 

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