Soundtrack of my life – part deux

Thriller by Michael Jackson

So it’s debatable whether or not I got any cooler by high school. In fact, it’s pretty evident I wasn’t. We were late getting to the football game that night, because we waited for the premier of the Thriller video. Revolutionary! That’s when I really learned how to dance.

Don’t You Forget About Me by Simple Minds

Who knew we were all the brain, the jock, the princess, the basket case and the criminal? I identified most with Brian the brain, with a dash of Allison the basket case thrown in. This movie and song remain timeless to me, lo these many years later, because – frankly – we’re all still trying to belong.

Like a Virgin by Madonna

For this repressed Southern Baptist who wore plaid pencil skirts, vintage bowling shirts, argyle socks and penny loafer, Madonna was a revelation and a liberator. I got into the groove.

Modern Love by David Bowie

Favorite outfit: black stirrup pants, white tuxedo shirt with costume jewelry brooch at the collar, Limited vest, vintage men’s jacket in blue and black herringbone pattern, mismatched earrings, spiky hair, white socks, black flats, and deep red lipstick. A spritz of Bill Blass. That’s how I rolled.

New Year’s Day by U2

I finally grew a social conscience.

Purple Rain by Prince

He could drive me Let’s Go Crazy in his Little Red Corvette under the Cherry Moon while I donned my Raspberry Beret. The most sublime hips in the universe. ‘Nuf said.

Long Time by Boston and Friends by Michael W. Smith

Graduation – 1986. Time didn’t wait for us, it kept on rolling.

Take My Breath Away  by Berlin

I’m working at the Texas Wesleyan library when a guy invites me to the Lambda Chi party. First frat party of my life. Toga (cliche in a very good way) and Andy Dunkin asks me to dance. Yea, college!

Your Song by Elton John

It was a little bit funny, that feeling inside, when I fell in love for real the first time.

Trouble Me by 10,000 Maniacs

Theme song for that first love, who turns out to be a delightfully fun alcoholic. But also, irresponsible and undependable. I learn that sometimes love isn’t always enough.

Call Me Al by Paul Simon

Senior year. I move into the dorm and am the first one there as an RA. Friend Laura comes over and we crank up my new stereo. This song plays and we dance down the halls, singing at the top of our lungs.

A Road is Just a Road by The Dixie Chicks

I worked for Downtown Fort Worth, Inc., and we hired the original foursome to play during lunch hours. We discovered them playing for change in Dallas’ West End. I bought the band’s CD “Little Ol’ Cowgirl” out of the back of their van. It was a revelation to listen to these amazing talents full of spunk and sass. I still have the cassette case with their signatures all over it!

Changes in Latitude by Jimmy Buffett

I pack up the car and move to Miami for a one-year internship in 1993. I stay for the next 16 years.

Freedom by George Michael

South Beach was a mecca for the young, rich and beautiful. I had the young down, got behind a few velvet ropes, went for no tan lines on the clothing-optional beach, and began drinking cafe con leche.

New York State of Mind

How do you properly celebrate turning 30? You invite three of your best girls to NYC and live it up: peach bellinis at The Rainbow Room at the top of Rockefeller Center, “Rent” on Broadway, Wo Hop’s in Chinatown, Teresa i Mimo in Little Italy, walks around Central Park, bagels at Barney Greengrass – the Sturgeon King, shopping through Soho and Greenwich Village, where we stop for an Italian ice. I ran into the writer Spalding Gray at an intersection, then I’m waiting to cross the street near Tribeca and notice that the guy next to me was the bug expert in “Silence of the Lambs.”

I Can’t Help (Falling in Love) by Elvis

Elvis has always been present at the big moments of my life. The Hotel St. Michel in Coral Gables, FL. Chocolate souffle. Candlelight. A diamond ring. So I answer, “In a heartbeat, yes, Brian, I’ll marry you.”

All You Need is Love by the Beatles

I now pronounce you husband and wife. Love. Love. Love.

I Could Not Ask for More by Sara Evans

The first dance.

Not Ready to Make Nice by The Dixie Chicks

My boss at the time told me it was okay to tell little white lies if it meant getting the deal done. When I caught him telling one to me, he tried to dig his way out of it. This song got me through.

Always on My Mind by Willie Nelson

For my father.

The Long Way Around by The Dixie Chicks

Ally McBeal had her theme song. This one is mine.

“No, I could never follow. Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else. Maybe some day I’m gonna settle down, but if you ever want to find me I can still be found, taking the long way around.”

One-in-a-lifetime Love by Keith Urban

Pretty much how it still feels nine years later.

Short Skirt and Long Jacket by Cake

God, I hope I get a job.