I knew who I was this morning, but I've changed a few times since then

Welcome to Volume 2 of 7 Quick Takes Friday

ONE: Music

I really love music. It makes my day so much more: enjoyable, relaxing, and fun. Quite recently I improved my work space by approximately two gillion with music. How, you ask? Let me tell you. 

Now for quite some time, I have had a Sara Bareilles Pandora station I listen to at work. It was good, but after a while it was not so good at shuffling. UNTIL I discovered the "add variety" tab. You add Billy Joel to that baby and it becomes the most delightful mix you ever did hear. 

This I swear by all that is good and wonderful in the world...

Shameless GHB plug. Click the link to jam to the song of her life.

TWO: Gatlinburg
I had never been to Gatlinburg. I was all prepared for a dozen moonshine places and touristy t-shirts, but what did I really see dozens of? Pancake houses. Don't ask me why. But there were.

Ellen and I had a lot of fun :D

Before climbing Mt LeCompte

Conqueress of the Mount

After sunrise

Right before the trek back down

We found the falls

THREE: My life still feels a bit like a snarky Woody Allen film.

You're a beautiful human being. A credit to your race.

FOUR: Orange is the New Black
So season two aired a little while back and it's pretty good. (I have mixed feelings about the series in general, because I read the memoir first and the artistic changes they have make are weird. Also Piper is a wholly unlikable to me.) However, I do enjoy the background stories they give for the other inmates. Lorna Morello and Ms. Rosa are my favorites. And sometimes the dialogue just hits you, it's so perfect. As is the theme song.

And Ms Rosa has the best one liners

FIVE: Orphan Black

And not to sound like I need more hobbies, I'd also like to take this moment to endorse Orphan Black. I'll let Rolling Stones tell you about it, they do it so well: It is a "fast-paced, Canadian sci-fi series about clones that airs on BBC America in the United States. But you've probably heard about its star Tatiana Maslany, who is tasked with playing a sextet of different characters, each with their own unique mannerisms, personalities and skills. From an upper-middle class soccer mom to a trained assassin, Maslany gives not one mesmerizing performance but six – sometimes playing complex scenes against numerous versions of herself. (And we haven't even mentioned Jordan Gavaris, who nails the sidekick/guy Friday role.) While the show is steeped in science fiction, there's nothing supernatural about it – the characters are grounded in reality, which makes it all the more engaging."

GUYS IT'S SO GOOD. Check out Tatiana. She's so amazeballs.

SIX: Visits from the Past

After driving to Nashville to see her wedding, my oldest friend and neighbor behind and to the left visited and we had a fabulous night catching up at the Hofbraeuhaus!!

SEVEN: I'M GOING ON VACATION.

I'm excited. To say the least. And I will spend it with my whole family, include Princess Grace, Conqueress of Gooseberry Isles,  Guide through darkness and fog, and Defender of the Toothbrushes.

Elektra will also be experiencing her first body of water. It's going to be an adventure for sure. 

Ciao, people!!