I Always Keep My Promises

 If you recall last month in my post Alabama Just S**ks and it is my fault  I was so disappointed at my inability to attend The University of Mobile's Christmas Spectacular performance.  WELL............

     Fox News has fallen under the spell of The University of Mobile's talent.  First shared by Fox Radio News personality Toddy Stearnes  on his blog the clip then aired on their programs  Friends First, Greta Van Susteren, The Five, Fox News & Commentary. and posted online on Fox Nation. They are calling the school's rendition of Carol of the Bells "Jaw-Dropping"!! It starts off with the Chamber Singers singing and playing hand bells then the orchestra takes over finishing with dueling guitars.  You can see Emily in the Chamber Singers on the right side, she's  playing two bells. Currently on YouTube The Carol of the Bells has over 50,000 hits since its post Monday.  An annual favorite performance during Christmas Spec is The Twelve Days of Christmas.  Fox News is calling this year's performance "An Epic Politically Incorrect Carol".  Each year the twelve men give a twist to the carol; this year included Chewbacca among other unexpected oddities.
     In addition to the airings on Fox News the performance can also be seen on WALA-FOX TV10 at 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Christmas Day. WHBR-TV33 will show it at 7 p.m. Dec. 22, 2 p.m. Dec. 23 and 9:30 p.m. Dec. 24; and it will be shown “at various times” on the Trinity Broadcast Network. It also will be aired internationally throughout the season on satellite stations Cornerstone TeleVision and The Walk TV [formerly Legacy TV).

 WOO HOO we're going Viral :)

Alabama just s**ks** and it is my fault

  OK I take that back.  The state of Alabama doesn't suck nor does the University of Alabama ~ Roll Tide Roll.  What sucks is that my daughter attends school in Mobile, Alabama which is 7 hours away.
     I encouraged my daughter to attend a school far away.  I believe that not being able to come home at the drop of a hat helps to foster a stronger sense of independence.  When I went to school I specifically searched for a college that was as far away from home as possible that allowed me to keep my state scholarship.  SUNY Geneseo was my home away from home for 5 years and the best decision I made.  Unlike my parents who never visited until Senior Year I am an involved parent who is used to supporting my children and their activities. Being 7 hours away this weekend especially sucks :(

     This weekend the University of Mobile kicks off the Christmas season with an incredible concert known as Christmas Spectacular.  For three nights, the school takes over the 3,000+ seat Dauphin Baptist Church with this incredible performance.  The free tickets are usually gone within the first week of their availability in late October.
    2012 will be the 10th anniversary of this concert and has drawn national attention.  Renowned Nashville director Steven Yakes will film Christmas Spectacular 2012 for a television special that will air later in the month on several national satellite stations and local stations according to the school's website. Many alumni are returning to perform.
     If you haven't figured it out yet I CAN'T GO.  I feel like crap.  I've attended the concert the last two years and was planning on going again this weekend.  Life of course has since intervened and I can't make the trip.  We only found this out today.  Poor hubby had to call Emily this afternoon and break the news.  To say it went over like a lead balloon would be an understatement.  Usually I would make the drive myself but after a week of migraines that's really not an option.
     I don't think there is anything worse in the parenting world than disappointing one of your kids. That feeling of failure cuts so deeply.  I'm all for kids learning life lessons and such but not at my expense.  Will she survive ~ of course.  Is this going to send her over the edge ~ not even remotely.    When you choose to attend school far away the one of the most difficult parts is the loneliness that comes from not having "anyone" near by.  Are there going to be friends and such there to cheer her on, most certainly.  But there isn't going to be anyone there JUST for her.  Oh how I wish I had a private plane on call.
You know once I find out the satellite stations that will be airing the special I'll be sharing it with you.  Well for now all I can do is assure myself that she knows she is loved and that we would be there if we could.  ~Wonder how much chocolate I'll need to survive this guilt??

Here's a favorite from the concert 2 years ago I found on YouTube

   

I Don't Wan't to Hear IT!!

     Everyone has their pet peeves.  Some make sense only to the holder.  MY pet peeve of course should make sense to all and I don't understand why anyone would disagree.  

     Just to prove to you how much sense my pet peeve makes I present the following facts:

1.     I have a degree in Music Performance

2.    Every year I buy a brand new Christmas CD

3.     I don't believe the season is complete without attending a Christmas Concert

4.     I equally love both secular and religious music

So what is this pet peeve that truly drives me absolutely insane?

PLAYING CHRISTMAS MUSIC THE ENTIRE MONTH OF NOVEMBER!!!!!

     It seems the kids have barely sorted through their bags of Halloween candy that we are not being inundated with various versions of "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".   Thank heavens there aren't but a few Thanksgiving songs as they'd get hardly any air time at all.

    I really have to wonder if merchants truly believe that by simply playing Christmas music we are going to start shopping for our holiday gifts more aggressively than we have in the past.  Most people fall into two categories when it comes to holiday shopping.  You either buy along the way or you leave it all to the last minute.  My husband and I are complete opposites on this one.  I start buying for Christmas as soon as I am through with birthdays.  I'll admit it was much much easier when the kids were smaller and their choices were considerably limited.  No, that's not true it was easier because they didn't express opinions and were happy with everything under the colorful paper ~ including the box itself.  But I digress.

     The rule in my royal domain is no Christmas music may be played until December 1st.  I also enjoy Christmas music until New Year's Day, the true end of the holiday season not December 26th.  My husband, once again polar opposite on this point, found a station on November 1st that has played non-stop Christmas music.  He is allowed to play that station in his car and the garage only.  

     Come on let's be real, aren't you getting a bit tired already of hearing "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas" or "Winter Wonderland"?  Do you really need to hear Alvin and the Chipmunks sing about hula-hoops for 8 straight weeks?  When I discovered that our cable/satellite providers offered a holiday music channel November 1^st I blocked it.

Simply put:

·       not in my house

·        not in my car

·        not on my iPod!

until December 1st

   Now you have to agree that MY pet peeve makes total sense and should be embraced by all!

 Here are some of my favorite and possibly unknown versions of Christmas Songs that will be played lovingly and loudly in a few short days.... enjoy

Gonna Eat for Christmas (they did change the words for thanksgiving)

Do You Hear What I Hear

Go tell it on the Mountain

O Holy Night  (from the new Christmas CD I'm buying this year)