Book Review: "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins + a mixtape

Today's review is brought to you purely because of peer pressure. 

This book has been talked about and talked about lately. It's actually a #1 New York Times best seller and getting rave reviews. I chose to read (well, listen in my car. Books on CD are now my new jam.) this because everyone and their mother told me how awesome it was.

From the author's WEBSITE: "Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?"

It's gripping, it's thrilling - I sat in my car long after I reached my destination sometimes purely because I wanted to know what was happening - but it's also crazy, dark and tough to read/hear. I can understand why folks have been talking about it so much, but would I read it again? No. I wouldn't. 

I will give it to Hawkins though. She can sure write a crazy person. A crazy person that you almost want to cheer for, but you're very aware of that in one second they could come completely unhinged. It's very rare (and sort of personally disturbing), but you become enthralled in their ridiculousness that you can't stop. It's like a train crash (pun intended..) - a slow one, with bumps and passengers exiting and entering like nothing will go wrong..but you're just waiting for the conductor to see the man standing on the tracks.

In fact, Hawkins is able to write multiple crazies and keep their stories full and gasping for breath. Each more bananas than the rest - but it's a tad too dark for me.

I actually didn't find many worth mentioning, since the story is less about giving you life advice and way more about trying to figure out who-dun-it. One that did stand out to me was: "Life is not a paragraph, and death is no parenthesis." And sitting here, I realize that I have hardly an idea what the author meant by that - but I'll try.

I see it being that we're all given a certain amount of days. We're given different lives, situations, promises - not everyone's is the same, and we're not just one situation, life or promise. We're a book full - and our death is not final. Sometimes people's lives ripple out from their deaths. They become putty for the cracks, stories for bedtimes, and legacies to life up to. They're not forgotten..they're just no longer physically next to you.

And sometimes, someone's death/destruction/downfall shows light. It gives another a chance for a fresh start or power that they never thought they had. Death is just a beginning sometimes. After all, without it - there would be no life.

I don't think there's a "should" read it anywhere..except if you're a fan of this kind of writing/style/darkness. If you're a fan of "Gone Girl", I'd give it a go though. It's in the same playing field, I'd say.

AND - since it's MONDAY and everything, I thought I'd do a little mixtape as well. And since we're talking thrilling, dark, and creepy - here's a few that I'd say were inspired by "The Girl on the Train".

1// Oats in the Water by Ben Howard

I'm sure I've used this song on the blog before, but it fits this so well.

2// I See A Darkness by Johnny Cash

My love for J Cash doesn't waiver..if you're wondering. 

3// Sinking Man by Of Monsters and Men

Of Monsters and Men's style is so odd to me, but fits this so well. I'm a fan though, definitely don't get me wrong - I just think it's so different sometimes. 

4// Arsonist's Lullaby by Hozier

This man's voice is ridiculous. Ridiculously good.

5// Be Not So Fearful by A.C. Newman

You might be thinking "what?" - this one is reserved for the ending. And no, that's not a spoiler - when you read, you'll see what I mean.

C

10 Things : Seasons 4-6 of Glee

Now, honestly, I got into "Glee" when everyone else did at the very beginning. I sat in front of my tv with my friends and sang along with every song I knew. I fell in love with the weirdos, the nerds, the brave - easily, because of my love of music. 

I stopped watching a few seasons in because, I'm sure, something else caught my eye or I wanted to have my Monday nights back - but recently, I picked back up where I left off..at season 4, and I learned a few things that I thought I'd share. 

*Be prepared for a few spoilers*

1// Life after high school is always hard.

Even if it's for a month or two, or a few years - those first moments after you're no longer under your parents roof can be the toughest. The best medicine for that hurt? Find your tribe. Find people that are struggling the same, and build a new life with them. You'll grow, and ultimately, it doesn't hurt as much as it did before.

2// The bad guy? He'll break your heart. Every time.

In season 4, we're introduced to Jake, Puck's half brother. Now, if you'll remember (and even if you've never seen the show) Puck is the renaissance "bad guy" at McKinley. He knocked up the virginal cheerleader, Quinn, in season 1 and caused all kinds of drama.

Jake's not quite that bad, but he's known for his "player" tendencies. And he starts dating the new Rachel, named Marley, and cleans up his act a bit (the things you do for love..) But he ultimately resorts to the "player" status once again and cheats.

I'm not saying that grace doesn't ultimately find the "bad guy" and he can't change, but 96.3534% of the time, people are going to be the same as they were. Rome wasn't built in a day, and a bad guy isn't going to change right out of the gate. So I'd stay away..no matter how good looking.

(he is so good looking..)

And while we're on the subject..

3// Cheating never stays a secret for long.

I always find it really sort of ironic or comical when those who have cheated are found out and act like they didn't know they could be found out. Whether it be that you tell the person yourself (out of guilt), someone else tells on you, or you are caught red handed - someone always, always, always finds out. It's better to break up than to carry on something you know will see the light of day eventually.

4// If you're not ready to get married, don't.

I think in this day and age, everyone feels the need to get married young and to get married rightthisverysecond or they'll turn into pumpkin or something. Which, you know, isn't true. Take it from the Supremes who said "you can't hurry love..no matter how long it takes."

You shouldn't get married because someone else is. You shouldn't get married if you'll be alone for the rest of your life. And you definitely shouldn't get married if the whole thing stresses you out and you run away (i.e. Miss Pilsbury running from her wedding to Mr. Shoe in season 4). Trust, it'll happen how, when it's supposed to, and with whom it's supposed to. You can't hurry love.

5// The Beatles are always a good idea.

If you can't get on board with that, I'll have to reconsider our musical friendship. I'm sorry..that I'm not sorry. #Beatles4Life

6// Grief is grief. And it never gets easier.

Cory Monteith, otherwise known as Finn Hudson, died of a drug overdose in the middle of season 4. Their tribute, "The Quarterback" was an episode I couldn't watch. The producers and writers of the show decided against revealing how Finn died - and I believe that to be a kindness.

Losing a beloved character on a TV show will never compare to losing someone in real life - no matter what fans say. Losing Sirius or Dumbledore or Augustus will never compare to losing my grandfather. My uncle.

But sitting there watching the show, you could see that it was a very real grieving process being played out on screen. Lea Michelle (Rachel Berry) and Cory were together not only on the show, but in real life too - and it seemed like those emotions and those feelings were in every scene after "The Quarterback". And from then on, he was there. He was a big part of the beginning and middle, but not the end - and they not only had to deal with that in real life, but in the show. Real tears were shed. Real memories were replayed. And it was never fake. It was all real.

And maybe it never gets easier, you just start to remember more of how they made your life better - instead of how much it hurt when they left. And then you get up the next day and do it all over again.

7// Take chances.

Thankfully, with the way God has made life, we are offered choices. Offered chances to do things and change our lives, in big and little ways. Sometimes we take them and it's at the expense of something we love, and that love..diminishes. And sometimes that forces us to do something else, quickly. Sometimes it means sitting in a room, crying, keeping things close to the vest, and then picking yourself up when you're ready.

Bad/tough/hard things happening isn't ever a reason for you to stop taking chances or making choices. You don't get to stop living when those things happen. You get to go through, pick up better armor on the way, and live.

8// The arts are always a positive thing for schools.

Like I didn't already know that - ha. 

In the beginning of season 6, Sue Sylvester takes all arts out of McKinley - making it more about her (as usual), and less about the welfare of the kids. I realize that every human being isn't involved in the arts, I do - but I know that having the option and variety will involve more people than it will deter. Knowing that you have the option of fitting in somewhere is always a good thing, especially in high school. High school is hard enough without that.

Get involved. You'll thank me for it.

9// Sometimes break ups should stay broken. Sometimes they shouldn't.

It really should not come as a surprise that in a TV show about high schoolers (and eventual college freshman) that they break up and get back together in a matter of episodes. Being privy to that though, I found myself wondering why some people rekindle love, and some don't.

It's a personal choice. Do they make you better? Does their presence give you anxiety or frustration more often than not? Can you be complete on your own with them? I think you have to decide that for yourself. But never, ever feel like you should get back with someone because you'll afraid of being alone. That's never a good idea.

10// Know that you'll always have a home.

Throughout my life, I've lived in 4 states and one country, and have lived in 15 different homes. When people ask me where I grew up, I have always had a hard time giving them an answer. I don't see this as a bad thing. I've always had a home.

Whether home is your family, a corner of a library, or a choir room in your high school - you should always known you belong somewhere. And maybe, you haven't found that quite yet, and that's okay. You will. Eventually you'll walk into a room or off a plane or meet someone's eyes - and suddenly, you'll know you're home.

Whether you agree with the politics of Glee or not. Whether you like music or not. Whether you believe that high school was the best days of your life or not, I believe you can learn something from this little show. I'm glad I watched it again.

C

Monday's Mixtape : CELEBRATION!

After a pretty ballin' summer, there's been a few things to celebrate lately - and while I'm not quite ready to share them..today's tunes are all about the good things in life! The party! The celebration! The mood lifters! Enjoy.

1// Love on Top by Beyonce

This song and this moment (when she publicly announced Blue Ivy!) will always evoke a little smile on my face. Love Queen Bey.

2// Your Smiling Face by James Taylor

This song is the ABSOLUTE BEST! It always puts me in a good mood - regardless of how I'm feeling at the moment! I got to see it in person a few summers ago, and had a total fan girl moment. JT is the best.

3// Five More Hours by Deorro ft Chris Brown

A new Chris song?! Count me in!

4// All She Wants to Do is Dance by Don Henley

I mean..doesn't the title say everything?!

5// Anything Could Happen by Ellie Goulding

Honestly, I'm over Ellie and would rather put the Glee version of this on the blog - but I thought I'd tough it out and put Ellie on here. I'm just super into this jam right now.

"And now I know the truth..that anything could happen"

And it did,

C

Book Review: "Now I See You" by Nicole C. Kear

Number five of my "25 before 26 Memoirs" challenge was actually not one from my original list. I chose this one at random after striking out with not one, but two other choices from my original list. I just couldn't get into them.

This one though..I was definitely into.

From Nicole's WEBSITE: "At nineteen years old, Nicole C. Kear's biggest concern is choosing a major--until she walks into a doctor’s office in midtown Manhattan and gets a life-changing diagnosis. She is going blind, courtesy of an eye disease called retinitis pigmentosa, and has only a decade or so before Lights Out. Instead of making preparations as the doctor suggests, Kear decides to carpe diem and make the most of the vision she has left. She joins circus school, tears through boyfriends, travels the world, and through all these hi-jinks, she keeps her vision loss a secret.

When Kear becomes a mother, just a few years shy of her vision’s expiration date, she amends her carpe diem strategy, giving up recklessness in order to relish every moment with her kids. Her secret, though, is harder to surrender - and as her vision deteriorates, harder to keep hidden. As her world blurs, one thing becomes clear: no matter how hard she fights, she won’t win the battle against blindness. But if she comes clean with her secret, and comes to terms with the loss, she can still win her happy ending.          

With the raw emotion of Wild and the humor of Bossypants., Now I See You is an uplifting story about refusing to cower at life’s curveballs, about the power of love to triumph over fear. But, at its core, it’s a story about acceptance: facing the truths that just won't go away, and facing yourself, broken parts and all."

Just a few things:

1. I couldn't and don't ever want to be diagnosed with a degenerative eye disease.

2. Nicole and I should be best friends. She's funny as hell.

3. Life is hard to predict.

The entire time I read this book, I kept thinking - "what would I do if I was diagnosed with an eye disease?" Does that ever happen to you? Something awful happens to another person, and you immediately wonder how you would handle the situation - if you could handle it. I think it would be really hard (as it would for most people) for me to lose my vision. 

I love to read. To paint. To take photographs.

I love color and texture.

And faces. Faces are important to me.

How would I cope with it all being gone at once? 

I guess you never really know until you're in the situation.

What I really appreciated and loved about this book was Nicole's never-ending gumption. Yup, I used the word gumption in 2015. Want to know why? She was stuck, at the tender age of 19, with a shit hand of cards. Being told that you're going to lose one of your core senses - the thing people rely on the most - that..sucks. She met it with ferocity. I'm sure there were moments of pure and utter sadness. Of lose and crying out to the Lord saying why me? She's human. 

But she never lost the idea that she could have a life. That she could "carpe diem".

And she won. Not in a literal sense - because, in fact, her vision deteriorated, as they said it would..but throughout the first part of her story - way past the date when they said she would completely be blind - she saw. She saw things, she did things - she won. And honestly - why wouldn't you want to have a friend like that? Or be that.

This one wasn't exactly flowing with quote-ables. It's just not..but one part that stood out to me was this: "I reasoned, it was better to get to my destination, no matter how miserable, than to keep waiting to arrive.." 

This, stood out to me for a reason other than coping with an incurable disease. I think we, as humans, spend a lot of time "waiting to arrive". We don't move towards something because we are afraid. We don't take jobs that will move us out of state. We don't say yes to the date because he's safe, or "not my type". We don't. We stay - in waiting. We sit in our comfort - stew in it's luxury - instead of moving. Taking a step forward is sometimes the hardest thing in the world. And then you do it, and you take another. And another.

Forcing ourselves to do one thing or another (the "taking of steps") is what, in fact, make up a journey. A miserable, joyful, retched, complex, meaningful journey that makes us human and happy and whole. It's better to get there. 

Get there, and don't wait.

You should read this one because:

1. Nicole is funny as hell.

2. Feel good, carpe diem, grab life by the balls horns stories remind us that we're alive.

3. It's pretty damn inspiring. (maybe that one also goes under #2, but I'm giving it it's own number!)

I like adventure stories. I like hearing what people have done and how they got to a certain situation, because every story is different. It makes me thankful. Either thankful that I haven't gone through what they've gone through - or the opposite, that I have and I've found a kinship with someone.

I may not have an eye disease or anything close to it, but reading this book has inspired me to take a few risks and go on a few adventures. Thank you, Nicole.

Stay tuned..

C

Monday's Mixtape: Favorite Summer Jams!

I feel like I haven't done a Monday's Mixtape in a while - sorry about that! Things have been sort of crazy lately.

This one is all about my favorites from this summer - since, unfortunately, the fall semester is almost upon us. (I'm more #TeamFall anyway :D ) 

1// Want To Want Me by Jason DeRulo

This song just puts me in a good mood! Jason consistently puts out good, catchy tunes and I'm excited to see what he comes up with next!

2// Where Are U Now by Skrillix, Diplo and Justin Bieber

This song is so unique to me, and I love listening to it in my car. When the beat drops, you just want to dance!

3// Fight Song by Rachel Patton

I think I've added this song into one of my mix tapes before, but I just love it. It's a personal "song of the summer" for me - and reminds me to be strong after not the worlds best summer.

4// Swayin' by Cole Swindell

This one may throw you for a loop in regards to a party play list, but I'm sort of obsessed with it right now. Cole's whole (self titled) album is awesome! You should totally check it out.

5// Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) by Silento 

I, in no way, can do this dance..but I LOVE IT. 

Have a good Monday!

C

10 Things..

I guess I'd better be honest first - I didn't spend my week in an actual call center. I spent it at a receptionist desk in a corporate office. Which, I thought would be more administrative work and not as much answer the phones. It was definitely WAY more phone and way less administrative. It definitely turned out to be way different than I was expecting..and I'd like to share a few things that I learned - that will not only help me in future jobs, but help you realize what it's like to answer phones for a living.

1// Yelling at me cannot and will not help your situation get solved any quicker.

It's true. If you're yelling, I'm not sure what the issue is and I cannot transfer you to the person that will actually help you. Calm down and don't shoot the messenger, people.

2// If someone doesn't answer, leave a voicemail.

I'm sure to most, that would be common sense. Since the invention of recording technology, humans have had the blessing of letting someone know they called and giving them the information to call them back. Plain and simple.

It may not be your favorite thing, and you may not receive a phone call back, but it at least gives you a bit of credibility when you're needing to speak to their superior.

Which leads me to..

3// SPEAK CLEARLY.

If you mumble and I have to ask 17 times what your name is or what you're calling about, our conversation will come to a stalemate - causing frustration on both sides of the call - and it won't solve one thing.

4// Ask someone their name, and if possible, how to spell it.

I've learned that people love their names. They love knowing someone knows at least a part of who they are - and it always makes people a little less defensive. And bonus points if you ask how to spell it, especially if it's not a common name. People smile when you ask them how to spell their name, I promise.

5// Find out who people are and what they do.

Like the name thing, people like you knowing who they are. And some won't introduce themselves - maybe because they think you should know them already, or maybe they're just not as extroverted as you thought them to be - so speak up. Ask their name and what they do. Don't ask their title, because that's not always useful information - purely because it may be a vague title for someone who overseas so many things. What they do, what they do, what they do. Remember that.

6// If you don't know, ask.

Also, common sense. But, by you asking who people are and what they do, you're able to ask questions and find out how to better serve customers. The quicker you are getting them places, the easier the conversations are. Ask questions!

7// Sitting at a desk all day is awful.

I honestly don't know how people do it. I hate being stationary and find myself asking to go to the bathroom every hour or so purely so I can get up and move. Don't sit all day - your body will thank you.

8// Always have candy.

Candy is your friend when you work at a front desk. People have a chance to get away from their desks, and you're able to chat with someone other than the person on the other line who's yelling about their trash not getting picked up five minutes ago. It may not be "the Office" everywhere, but if you can, create friendships. It'll make the day go by quicker, and your work life more enjoyable.

9// Don't get over-emotional.

It's hard being yelled at. It just is plain hard. Giving in to the overwhelming urge to scream back, cry or bash your head against your desk will only hurt you. Saying "one moment please", putting someone on hold, grabbing a sip of water and taking a deep breath is all it really takes sometimes. And most of the time it can make all the difference in the world.

And lastly..

10// LISTEN.

Sometimes someone will call and start spouting out a story. We as humans love a good audience. We love telling our woes. How do you think Shakespeare got so popular? The man knew how to spin a good problem. So, either you can hang up (never a good idea), quickly transfer them elsewhere (also not necessarily a good idea - they won't thank you for that!) or you can listen. Give them five minutes and hear them out - that's all anyone ever really wants. Someone to listen. Be that someone. (sometimes..ha!)

Thanks little child. I think so too.

C

"Know Yourself, Know Your Worth"

This week I have been temporarily filling in for an office while their normal receptionist is on vacation. You gotta do what you gotta do, right? And while most have been kind and helpful, there are some that treat me as though I am less. You know, since I won't be around later. 

And as I was re-stocking the break room with refreshments, after one such person was unkind. I don't know if it was because she was exerting some sort of "power" or she really isn't so nice - but I tried to just pull myself into what I was doing - stocking sodas. And when I did, I saw this:

And I thought to myself how many times God speaks to me through rap songs. Through strangers. Through things that don't quite add up to "Christianity". (I say that in quotes because..sarcasm.) Does that ever happen to anyone else? Probably not.

And through all of the weird things that have been happening in life lately, I had to smile. I had to laugh at the fact that God would use Drake to get something through to me (uh, not that Drake is a bad guy or isn't a Christian. That's up to him. That's none of my business). But I guess that's the true meaning of "God can use anyone" - like in 1st Peter 4:10 when Paul says "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in it's various forms."

And ever since that first day, in that first few hours of the job - I've been thinking about "know yourself, know your worth." Not only in the literal sense, right then and there when someone was being mean to me - but in the every day sense. 

Your 20's are supposedly about finding yourself. Finding out what you like, who you want to surround yourself with..all of that jazz. It's both a gift and a curse. A way to grow and a way to stay the same. You're blessed with enough time to change, and maybe it's not just reserved for your 20's. I wouldn't know. 

And through this odd little experience with rap lyrics, I've been given the opportunity to show that growth and change - and know the meaning of knowing who I am and what I'm capable of. That I'm not the person that she believes me to be, thankfully. 

Strangers don't change me.

Strangers don't change my worth.

God changes me.

God is the only one who gives me worth.

Know you, know your worth and know Him.

That's all. The End. 

And thank the Lord for Drake, y'all -

C

Book Review: "Rosie Dunne" by Cecelia Ahern

Firstly, I read a book that wasn't in my memoirs/biographies list. The first step is admitting, right? ;) I chose to read something else because:

1. I had seen this movie and found out it was a book first. Of course I had to read.

2. I needed to step back from all the life advice, just for a minute. Life's been too real lately anyway, and a break/summer read was exactly what I needed.

"Love, Rosie" is also known as "Rosie Dunne" and "Where Rainbow's End". I don't know why there's three titles. I'll let someone else figure that out later. Okay, let's get on with it:

From Goodreads.com: "From the bestselling author of PS, I Love You comes a delightfully enchanting novel about what happens when two people who are meant to be together just can't seem to get it right.

Rosie and Alex are destined for one another, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, their relationship gets closer by the day, until Alex gets the news that his family is leaving Dublin and moving to Boston. At 17, Rosie and Alex have just started to see each other in a more romantic light. Devastated, the two make plans for Rosie to apply to colleges in the U.S. 

She gets into Boston University, Alex gets into Harvard, and everything is falling into place, when on the eve of her departure, Rosie gets news that will change their lives forever: She's pregnant by a boy she'd gone out with while on the rebound from Alex. 

Her dreams for college, Alex, and a glamorous career dashed, Rosie stays in Dublin to become a single mother, while Alex pursues a medical career and a new love in Boston. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel, structured as a series of clever e-mails, letters, notes, and a trail of missed opportunities, Alex and Rosie find out that fate isn't done with them yet."

This is the first time that I can remember that I watched a movie and then read the book (or vice versa) and thought, "hmm. I totally understand why they took certain parts of the book away. Didn't use them. Thought of a new way to present them - because it would have been a long, boring movie if they had made it exactly how the author wrote it." And I hate thinking that.

In the movie (see THIS post for more info/my thoughts on the movie!), you're hopeful. You think they're going to get together every time because there's only a handful of times. In the book, you're exposed to the authors desire to draw the situation out. To make them wait. To make awful things happen to Rosie - getting pregnant at 18 (which is NOT always an awful thing), marrying a man and finding out he cheated (ALOT), both parents dying..I mean, home girl can't even catch a small break. And on top of that, she keeps missing Alex. Alex, by any means, is not unscathed. He is married and divorced twice by the time they get together.

Want to know when they finally get together? 

WHEN THEY'RE FIFTY.

Yes, you read that correctly. Ahern's makes you wait until they're fifty years old to FINALLY get together. There's not a real reason why. Sure, they're able to grow and change and make mistakes - like everyone does - but why make them wait so long? 

It was just frustrating for me as a reader to wait that long. I had to wait so long that I almost thought she would ruin their lives AGAIN and make one of them die or something. That's how done I was with waiting.

All in all - the movie was/is/will always be...better.

There was one quote that stood out to me, and it was not even at a critical moment or in a life changing speech. It was this:

"Every day conversation becomes a little longer, a little friendlier, a little less about work and a little more about life."

Life has been hard lately..and not just for me. Things are happening that aren't in our control, that weren't planned and they blast your life up anyway. You're left with pieces and shells of relationships. You're left with a few nights where you can't sleep and ice cream doesn't resolve what you think it should. But it's also left me with the resolve to get up every day. To find something that gets me out of bed - because that's the hardest part sometimes - the actual act of getting out of bed. And each day, I get up a little easier. 

My troubles are nothing compared to some, I know that. But, it's helpful to know, like John Green says in "Paper Towns", that "I'm not saying everything is survivable. Just that everything except the last thing is."

If you're looking for a beach read, I'd read this. It's from the same author as "P.S. I Love You", and it doesn't bring all the feels like P.S. does. I found myself tearing up a little when I found out that both her parents died, but that's for obvious reasons. But, if you're looking for a life changer - I'd look elsewhere.

///

I know my book reviews end up sounding like a motivational poster. It's just funny that reading is sometimes the closest thing I have to hearing God's voice. That there's parts of people floating around and sometimes what they have to say is what He needs me to hear. And share.

Have a good Thursday!

C

Monday's Mixtape: The Glee Edition

I'll probably get silently judged for this one, but I've been watching a little bit of "Glee" lately. I watched it when it first came out, and stopped after a season or two. I started again because, well, I started watching because I love music. I don't quite love musicals ("Grease" and "Hairspray" are exceptions..) but I do love music, and I always enjoyed how they incorporated music - and vintage/classic songs - in an interesting way. And I need something to watch while I paint (i.e. something I don't exactly have to pay attention to to know what's going on!)

 Here are some "Glee" renditions I've been enjoying lately..

1// "Let Me Love You"

Jake Puckerman sings this to Marley (the Finn and Rachel type characters after Finn and Rachel graduate) when she is found to be suffering from an eating disorder. I think his voice is just wonderful in this one - as is Ne-yo's in the original song.

2// "Teenage Dream"

Blaine originally sang this song in the first season or two as Katy would have sang it (poppy and fun), but after cheating (which seems to happen a lot in this show..shame on you writers of Glee!), he gives this rendition. It is haunting and sad - and super powerful.

3// "Danger Zone" mashed up with "Old Time Rock N Roll"

Well, how could this not be on here? One, "Danger Zone" is one of the best movie songs EVER and two, I love when they do mash ups. I love me some mash ups. 

4// "The Scientist"

I have yet to find a version I don't like of this song. 

5// "Thriller" mashed up with "Heads Will Roll"

Probably one of my favorite performances. This is honestly the only way I want to listen to either of these songs anymore. Oops, sorry MJ.

I'm going to go paint some more before work.

Happy Monday!

C