The weekend after this one, my husband and I are hitting the road and driving to...Pittsburgh. I know, WHY? Well, back when I asked y'all how to flip the psychological switch that would transform me from Conception Crazed Bunny into Laid Back Summer Bunny, gingerandlime suggested we find some random place a few hours away and go there for a weekend. We're not quite willing to go to any random town--what if there are no epicurean dining experiences? I drove across the entire country last year, and have had enough of Cracker Barrels! So we settled on Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh, while perhaps not the canonical romantic getaway town, does have special importance in the lives of the Bunnies: it's where we first met. Well do I remember arriving at BFB's rehearsal dinner and seeing Mr. Bunny across the room! Well do I remember getting shitfaced and passing out in his hotel room bed, forcing him to sleep on the floor! While I'm not interested in recreating that last experience, it should be a fun time. But, long drive = need for mix CDs. Unfortunately I used up all my new music recently to make him a mix CD for our Germany trip, so I need your help. Got a favorite driving song or a song you've been really into lately? Let's have it! I promise not to mock your taste. (Hey, if it were up to me, we'd just have the Ramones on endless repeat.)
Also, while you're letting me order you around like a slave, can you reassure me that I shouldn't be freaked out by the ENORMOUS LUMP that has appeared in my left breast? I'm not scrambling to arrange a mammogram because it showed up so suddenly, and right when I got my period. So even though this has never happened before, I'm assuming it's going to go away. RIGHT?
Unfortunately I am musically illiterate/quite ancient so can't be of much help there. The bands I used to like (The Blue Nile comes to mind), they are the kind of sad that seems romantic when you are young, but just sad as you age. Not them, then!
ReplyDeleteAnd as for the enormous lump, I think you better mention it to your Dr. Even if it goes away immediately, which obviously it WILL, because probably it is to do with hormones and so on. I know, this is a pain. But still.
You met Mr Bunny MBA at a rehearsal dinner? I am loving the meeting of eyes across the room vibe. Mighty!
I approve of you posting at this time of day. It's 4pm here, a civilised hour, and I have a nice blank comment section in which to blather on and on.
My breasts always get lumpier with my period. I'd keep an eye on it but if it came up suddenly my guess is that it's hormone-related. Ah, the joys of womanhood.
ReplyDeleteNeat-o about Pittsburgh! My musical suggestions: "Chelsea Hotel" by Leonard Cohen, "The Broad Majestic Shannon" by the Pogues, "Common People" and "Something Changed" by Pulp, and anything by Creedence Clearwater Revival (for some reason I really like them on roadtrips).
And what a great idea: a firm line between seasons and states of being is never a bad thing.
I've never had a breast lump, but my sister and mom get them frequently. They are benign and I guess related to hormones (also, weirdly, to eating a lot of chocolate). But I'd get it checked out if it's still there in a week or so.
ReplyDeleteI have really weird taste in music-- either opera, the Great American Songbook, or cheesy pop. I do like Vampire Weekend and Phoenix a lot. And the Be Good Tanyas are great road-tripping music.
I'm with Secret Sloper on Vampire Weekend and Phoenix. I've also been listening to a lot of Yeasayer, Empire of the Sun, The National, and Miike Snow. I'm a huge Morrissey/The Smiths fan and usually include a couple of those in my road trip mixes.
ReplyDeleteIt's a classic and probably too dorky--but it's hard to beat The Joshua Tree. All of it. On repeat. Except for "Red Hill Mining Town."
ReplyDeleteAlso I really like "Lily" by Pink Martini. And Bollywood music is always good for a road trip.
Also, yay for Pittsburgh and road trips! I got so excited about The Joshua Tree I forgot to comment on the rest of your post. I haven't been to Pittsburgh in about 12 years (my college boyfriend was from there) so my vague recollection of a really good Italian restaurant somewhere in the suburbs is probably not going to help in your trip planning, but have a great time!
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm terrible at recommending music. My roadtrip soundtrack of choice is usually podcasts of "This American Life" or "Wait Wait Don't Tell Me."
ReplyDeleteAnd do get that lump checked out. I'm sure it's nothing, but we all care about you enough that we want to be sure.
AplusB and Stickles just nailed my driving go-to listening with one major exception: Passion Pit. Love it, upbeat, good.
ReplyDeleteBut truly, This American Life is the only thing that makes hours seem like minutes.
Lump -- probably hormonal, and a cyst, and nothing to worry about. If it doesn't disappear after your period is over (within ~1 week), call the good doctor. Prognosis=good.
ReplyDeleteMusic -- I am obsessed with Talking Heads right now. And Radiohead's In Rainbows. And any Elvis Costello. And OK Go. And Leonard Cohen. (And what's wrong with Red Hill Mining Town? Hmmmmm??? I could listen to that entire album ad nauseum, and then some more...)
I had a breast lump a couple of years ago, and when I went to my nurse practitioner to check it out, she got all concerned and ordered an ultrasound to have it checked out. This reaction freaked the shit out of me. I admit, I was a total coward and would lie awake in the middle of the night sniffling in a maudlin way about how I didn't want to die. The ultrasound showed nothing- not a cyst, certainly not cancer, but just a lumpy part of my breast tissue. But I was attended by a super competent seeming oncologist, and she told me that the way you can tell is whether it moves around or not. If you can sort of poke it back and forth, then it probably isn't cancer. A cancerous lump has many tentacles rooting it firmly in your breast tissue, so it is really firmly anchored. You wouldn't be able to poke it around in there. Although I don't want to freak you out further here if the lump DOES seem anchored, because I also have firmer parts of my breasts that don't move around. But they don't resemble lumps, so anyways... Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteAs for music, I recommend Rancid. E and I also recently enjoyed re-listening to old AC/DC classics. And you could always re-create Fear and Loathing with 'One toke over the line'! :) And anyone's version of 'aiko aiko' can always put a smile on my face.
Finally, I fucking ADORE the gourds' cover of gin and juice (sometimes attributed to Phish)! Fucking hilarious! And catchy!
Listen!:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCAM3C3dpIA
Yay for roadtrips!
ReplyDeleteIn addition to the this american life (which wouldn't work for us b/c the Boy refuses to listen to it), I'd go for New Pornographers (good for singing along), Jay-Z the Black album is great, Sufjan Stevens Illinoise is masterful (and long), the Ting Tings are very poppy and fun, as are Mates of State.
How long is this drive, anyway?
Onto the lumpiness -- if it's not gone after your period comes and goes, go see your OBGYN. 99.999% likely nothing to worry about and will go away on its own.
i'm sure you wouldn't be surprised to learn that i'm one of those who frequently runs to the doctor to say "do you FEEL THAT??" about something in my boobies. if it hurts, it is a very good sign, bc cancer doesn't hurt. and my lumps have always hurt, so yaay for that. yours sounds very hormone related, so screw her!
ReplyDeletei'm a gin blossoms fan. anything and everything gin blossoms. love them love them love them. five for fighting as well. otw, i listen to korean music, which while i'm sure you'd think is catchy, what's the use when you can't understand the words? altho, i have to admit i don't understand 70% of it, heehee.
About the lump - happened to me and was scariest 24hrs of my life referral and ultrasound. It turned out to be what is known as fibrocystic breast disease. Cyclic hormonal related cysts form in the tissue, completely benign, nothing to worry about, they wax and wane throughout the cycle. But I do urge you to go to your doctor just in case.
ReplyDeleteAs for music, well, all of mine are pretty outdated, despite being a rock and roll tragic. Joshua Tree I agree with. Also get you "All Hands on the Bad One" by Sleater-Kinney. Best album EVER.
Sorry - typo - should read "between referral and ultrasound".
ReplyDeleteI love Jack Johnson for a good sunny day road trip. Also, I hope you do relive parts of that fateful meeting so many years ago.
ReplyDeleteMeatloaf, Bat Out of Hell, and Pat Benetar.
ReplyDeleteI love Pittsburgh! Have fun!
I've not had a lump like that, but if it were me I'd have someone in a white coat give it a poke and tell me what they thought.
p.s. I'm really sorry Bunny-- I hadn't watched that video before I linked it here. Obviously made by a bunch of retards who have no connection with the actual band or the song!!! If you didn't know that song before, you certainly won't like it after associating it with that awful video!!! I just clicked on the first youtube link that played the song-- obviously next time I decide to do that, I'll see what's being portrayed!! I think I need to shower again now... uhghshhhghhh (heebie jeebies)!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great idea (getting out of Dodge) (not that you live in Dodge)! Hope you have a great time in Pittsburgh and can't wait to hear what your soundtrack was!
ReplyDeleteAs usual late to the comments. I had to do this in front of the MASTER music list.
ReplyDeleteAlphabetical:
5,6,7,8's (japanese girl rock) - Bomb the Rocks
Alarm
Armitage Shanks
Atomic 7 (Canadian Country Surf)
BBQ - Tie your noose (MUST!)
Beat -Paul Collins not Beat, English
Billy Holiday
Bo Diddley
BR5-49 (alt countryish)
Briefs (Why this band has not hit top 40, I have no idea. I've seen them at least 8 times live and LOVE them.)
Buck
Buzzcocks
Cake
Camper Van Beethoven
Cheap Trick
Clash
Crimson Ghosts (surf Misfits cover band)
Cub
Damned
Descendents
Desmond Dekker
Donnas (first few albums, NOT the new stuff)
English Beat
Exploding Hearts
Fevers
Fishbone
FM Knives (I hope to God this is on itunes. If not give me an address, it's that good.)
Four Eyes (dork rock)
Groovie Ghoulies
Jam
Jewws
Knitters (if you are an X fan)
Loli And the Chones
Love & Rockets
Man or Astroman? - Destroy all Astromen!!
Nine Pound Hammer (country punk)
Odd Numbers (nor cal mod band)
Pixies
Travoltas (the Netherland's Ramones)
Reigning Sound
Rentals (if you like Ok Go, also suggest New Pornographers)
Son Volt
Southern Culture on the Skids - Dirt Track Date
Weezer
Woggles
X
And very specific ska compilations:
20 Reggae Classics (b & w checkered cover)
Ska Bonanza Disk 1 & 2
I'd throw in some other wackado stuff, but this is a good set of "drive" music. And, now that I've made this for you, I'll just copy this onto our cd's for our 5 hour drive on Memorial Day to So Cal! Email me if you have any questions or want specific genres.