Hey y'all I was AF yesterday (because of a hangover, but still) and this morning I feel on top of the world. Must remember this feeling. Now that school is starting next week for my girls and summer vacays are over time to get more serious and apply a bit more self restraint and see where that goes.

Tonight I will be drinking though as I am going to see a movie that just demands it........moderately, however, that is my goal.

Have a great day all!! XOXO Newlife

now I'm curious----what movie?

Mad Max?

Inside Out ?

Well I will tell you if you promise not to laugh. The movie was Straight Outta Compton. And I have got to say, it was really well done.

Some background - I am 54 years old, white female, and have always been a HUGE rock fan - Beatles, Zeppelin, Fleetwood Mac, etc. etc. When I first heard the song "Straight Outta Compton" in the late 80s I was completely appalled. I also should mention that I am a pacifist and abhor guns. After my initial introduction to rap in the late 80s I shut it out as abominable BS and just ignored it. I'm pretty good at living in my own little bubble and not paying attention to what I don't like. So it was easy to do.

Then a little over a year ago I was driving with my then 14 year old daughter (who is a Broadway/musical theatre/Beatles some pop fan, def not a rap fan). An Eminem song came on the radio. Maybe it is hard to believe but I had never in my life heard of or seen Eminem, had NO IDEA WHATSOEVER who he was. But the song, which is called "Headlights" and is about his dysfunctional relationship with his crazy mom really moved me. Like to tears. Probably because I had, and lost, a pretty crazy mom too. She was an alcoholic (are you surprised?). Crazy, but I loved her, and she loved me.

Anyway, being the obsessive compulsive person that I am, I went into my house that day and Googled Eminem. In spite of the violence, the adoration of guns, the misogyny, the homophobia, all the bad things, for some reason that I cannot explain I just connected with him. Like in a big way. My daughter Hannah, thinks it is hilarious, and my husband, who would not utter a curse word if someone put a gun to his head, is appalled. We even travelled to the Midtown Music Festival in Atlanta last September to see Em. It was one of the most fun times I have had in many years.

I still find that I don't like most other rap (I have a big problem with the "N" word, being from the South and having racist parents and family). But I certainly connect in a big way with Eminem - I too grew up poor and scratched my way out, the crazy mom, and of course not to mention the fact that he himself was a huge addict and almost died from his drug and alcohol addiction but managed to beat that too. (Listen to "Not Afraid", awesome song.)

I know I am rambling and telling you more than you wanted to know, but you asked. I am not a fan really of NWA's music (they were the group featured in the movie Straight Outta Compton), but because Dr. Dre, one of their members, was Eminem's mentor and BECAUSE of my obsessive mind I wanted to see the movie. I am always interested in a world that is so unlike mine and especially in stories of how people overcome the odds and adversity etc. etc.

So there is your answer. Please stop laughing. LOL. Newlife

My latest guilty obsession is Fantastic Negrito. Dare you.

Newlife - I cannot wait to see that film. I am glad that you have such passion for Eminem's music.

Newlife I didn't laugh and was really interested in all your talking about things - I also laughed because I love some of Eminem's songs! Found them 'cos of my children! Also like some of Slim Shady songs too!! !!! And I believe Eminem has written a song about Slim Shady! I crack my kids up when I sing it !! Of course they would be mortified if I did it in public!!

Hugs, Maggie x

HA!! I can always count on my little invisible friends to have open minds, can't I. It's nice to have a guilty obsession too, isn't it Steve? Keeps the blood pumping. Tamtam, let me know what you think, I really thought it was very well done!! Gdmcf, sorry for hijacking your thread. Happy weekend, all!! XOXO Newlife

And Maggie, the thought of you singing Eminem/Slim Shady really cracks me up!! We can sing them when we are "cured" and dancing in our Spanx in the moonlight!! It's a date. Bring your bike, Steve. XOXO Newlife