Monday, November 24, 2008

I did what I said I would do


About six weeks ago I posted that I promised my younger brother I would run in a 5k with him. I told him this even though I hadn't been running in nearly a year. So yeah, I'm pretty much stupid.


Well, I did it. I ran in the race. About half-way through I swore I'd never do it again. I don't know how you people run at an elevation of 4,200 feet, but it's not pleasant. I made it through though, and my time was half-way decent. Half-way decent for me anyway. I already knew once I finished the race that I would do another one. Probably soon. I think this is why it took me so long to ever sign up for a 5k. I'm quite competitive, so I'm already wanting to better my time in the next race. I knew that would happen, and I wasn't sure I wanted my life to become that. :)
My brother (who is in the picture with me) is the greatest. He started the morning by playing the theme from Rocky for me, and when he finished the race (he won) he came back and ran the last mile with me. My time would have been at least a minute slower if it weren't for that. Thanks Scott!


The picture I posted was actually taken after the race, if you can believe it. I think I look quite chipper. So anyway, that's just a boring update of my life, I'll try to think of a more intersting topic when I get back to Detroit.

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

The top 10 songs of all time

I've decided to compile a list of my top 10 favorite stongs. Some of them might surprise you, but maybe not. So now, in no particular order:

Poison - Fallen Angel (1988)
This song has a great beat, and it makes me want to sing out loud. An interesting tidbit, this song was the only single on the album (Open up and say...Ahh!) not to make the Billboard top 10. And yet it's the best one. Go figure.
Aerosmith - What it takes (1989)
I first heard this song when I was very young. Aerosmith has a lot of great songs, but this one is timeless. I think it could be released today and be a hit.
Gin Blossoms - Until I fall away (1992)
The Gin Blossoms are great to listen to when you're going through a break-up. Enough said. I haven't listened to them in awhile, since I haven't had the opportunity to break up with anyone for years.
Oasis - Don't go Away (1997)
The argument could be made that this song shouldn't make the list because the members of Oasis are such jerks. But I tried not to let that sway my judgement.

Jimmy Eat World - Kill (2004)
It took some time for this song to grow on me, but now I can't imagine ever getting sick of this song. Love the lyrics.
All American Rejects - The Last Song (2003)
Not one of their most well-known songs, but I really like the lyrics.
Collective Soul - World I know (1995)
I don't know what to say about this one. I like it. It was released when I was an impressionable youth. It impressed upon me.
Def Leppard - Hysteria (1987)
Def Leppard was the first group I fell in love with at 12 years old, and while they have a lot of awesome songs, this one is the best.

Papa Roach - Forever (2006)
I just love this song. I can't even tell you why. It fits many moods. I can work out to it, listen to it on the plane, wherever, it fits.

Toad the Wet Sprocket - Good Intentions (1995)
It's just good. I'm going to admit, I'm getting tired and can't think of much to say.

Honorable Mentions:
Heart - Alone (1987)
Ok, this is embarrassing to admit, but I heard Carrie Underwood perform this song on American Idol and it gave me the chills. I've loved it ever since.
Everclear - Rockstar (2000)
I first heard this song when I was going through a really hard time in life, and it made me laugh. Anything that could make me smile at that time stuck with me. As a side note, the name of the album it's on is 'Songs from an American Movie, Vol. One: Learning how to smile.' A word of warning, the language isn't the best. But it's funny.

Kate Voegele - I won't disagree (2005)
If you download this song you have to be sure to get the right version. It makes a big difference. It has to be from the 'Don't look away' album. It's awesome.

Counting Crows - A Long December (1996)
I mostly like this song because it reminds me of high school and the guy who introduced me to it. So hopefully he doesn't read this blog because that would be embarrassing for him to know.
So what do you think? What's your top 10?