Fifty Authors from Fifty States: Beans and Cod by Kenneth Weene

Fifty Authors from Fifty States: Beans and Cod by Kenneth Weene: “You’re going to boarding school,” my father proclaimed. It was December 1954. I was thirteen, in ninth grade and not really ready for ...

I Love Dialogue from 99 Problems

Although this has the same title as the song by Hugo (and others, but I like his version best) this story is in no way related to the song.

Portia Bledsoe is new in town. She inherited a house and property from a great-uncle she barely knew. She meets Wood Cirocco through her friendly neighbor, Carl—he's Carl's nephew. They immediately hit it off. Strange things start to happen shortly after they meet. For one thing, someone sets fire to her abandoned chicken coop. Scared silly, she asks Wood to spend the night—on the couch. She barely knows him and doesn't feel right taking him to bed yet.

Someone tapped on my bedroom door. Groaning, I glanced at the clock. It was almost 9:00.

“Yeah?”

“Coffee,” Wood sounded cheerful.

“Be right there.”

I went to the bathroom and stared at myself in the mirror. I looked ghastly. A cold washcloth helped, as did brushing my hair. I threw on a T-shirt and yoga pants, foregoing a bra because I simply didn't feel like putting one on. If I hadn't known better, I'd have thought I was hung over. The aspirin were still by the bed, so I swallowed a couple with a handful of water from the tap.

The coffee smelled delicious. I also detected the distinct aroma of baked goods. When I got to the kitchen, I found that Wood had baked muffins. He set a mug in front of me, perfectly doctored, as well as two muffins, slathered with butter.

“I had no idea I had ingredients for muffins,” I said, taking a bite.

“Everything but the blueberries, but Carl has them in his freezer. I helped myself.”

“You're one of those perky morning types, aren't you?”

“Yes, grumble pussy, I am.”

I groaned, holding the coffee mug to my forehead.

“Mornings are what you make of them,” he continued.

“I want to make them go away. Is that possible?”

“You have to make it fun. Find something to smile about.”

I sipped the coffee and took another bite of muffin, and managed a vague impression of a smile. Wood leaned over, giving me a quick kiss. I smiled more, sighing contentedly.

“See? Morning isn't so bad after all.”

“Not with you in it,” I replied without thinking.

Instead of getting upset, he grinned, winking. “Trust me, there are better uses for morning, but I'll try to be a gentleman.”

I groaned again, not in a good way.

“Not a fan of morning sex?” he raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

“Seriously? I can barely see straight. I do not feel sexy in the morning.”

“Haven't woken up with the right man,” he suggested casually as he walked away.

I had to admit, he was probably right. Mornings were often when Cory chose to go off on me. He loved to argue and he picked at everything I did. The coffee was too strong, or too weak. The eggs weren't done right, the milk was curdled.

“He was such a dick,” I grumbled. “He made mornings extra special by pitching tantrums.”

Wood sat across from me, arms crossed on the table, his chin on his wrists. He looked up at me like a puppy dog. “I'll make you a deal,” he said, chin bobbing on his hands.

“What?” I leaned over, resting my chin on my hands.

“I won't talk about my bitch of an ex if you'll quit bringing up Cory. Every time you mention him, I have this urge to kick him in the nuts.”

“That makes two of us.”

“I'm not him, Portia. I'm not like him and I won't break your heart.”

“It wasn't the breaking as much as the ripping out of my chest part. And the trampling it part. But you're right. Creepy Cory needs to be thrown out with the garbage.”

“Agreed.”

“Maybe we should introduce him to your ex.”

“I don't think the world would survive if the Bride of Frankenstein met the Anti-Christ, do you?”

I laughed loudly, tossing my hair. “Probably not.”

“What's on your social calendar for today?”

“Besides breakfast with a handsome, sexy man? Nothing.”

His eyes twinkled. “Good. My crew is coming over to clear out some of the undergrowth in the south acre. Also, my plumber and electrician will be by. I was looking at the wiring earlier. I tripped a fuse when I turned on the coffee pot.”

“Oh, yeah, you can't use it and the oven at the same time.”

“Which shouldn't happen. That was one of the things that Ambrose hired us for. It may take a few days. She's going to have to replace everything.”

“Well, crap. Where am I gonna go? I can't stay here with no power.”

“You can camp out with Carl,” he suggested. “Or—me.” He cleared his throat. “I have a nice guest room. Fresh sheets, new duvet. . . .”

“I'm surprised you even know the word duvet,” I giggled.

“Hey, I'm cosmopolitan. I even have throw pillows.”

“Thank you.” I touched his cheek tenderly, my fingers drifting to his hair. “I'd like that.”

© 2015 Dellani Oakes

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I Love Dialogue from The Best Medicine

Dr. Tanya O'Toole has just started working at a new hospital. Having changed her emphasis from Family Medicine, to Radiology, she's working hard to make up for lost time. She meets Dr. Morgan Fellowes when she faints in the doctor's lounge. She finds herself fascinated with the energetic man and they start dating. When she meets his family, she realizes that he's not the only one that's kinda wild and crazy—in a totally fun way. She's having breakfast with his older sister, Molly, her husband, Kenny and their son, Duke.

"They're crazy, you know this right?" Kenny looked at Tanya, his tone and expression flat. "Completely bonkers, the entire family."

Tanya looked at Morgan and Molly, their eyes watering as they giggled. "I'm beginning to figure that out. But it works for me." She winked at Kenny who grinned back at her. "I just wish I understood, I'd like a good laugh too."

Kenny shook his head, leaning back in his chair. "Trust me, no you wouldn't. I've heard this story. It's one of those where you had to have been there for it to be funny at all. I didn't even crack a glimmer of a grin when they told me."

Morgan and Molly finally stopped laughing long enough to gather up the plates and put them in the dishwasher. As they cleaned up, Kenny and Tanya sat at the table sipping coffee and chatting.

"So, what are the plans for the day?" Kenny asked her.

"I'm working this afternoon," Tanya said. "But before I do that, I'd better go to the grocery store. In fact, we both should. Morgan hasn't a thing in his house to eat and I'm out of just about everything."

"Oh, what excitement," Molly said dryly. "And here I thought you had something fun planned, like rock climbing or hang gliding."

"No, that's next week," Morgan said, keeping his face completely straight. "I thought we'd try joining the Mile High Club tomorrow, that is if I can borrow the family jet."

Tanya glanced around the room trying to figure out if Morgan was teasing. No one smiled. They all looked as if his remark was completely normal. Just as she was about to ask, Duke's ears went red and he burst out laughing. It was an explosive sound and made her jump. He giggled until tears came to his eyes.

"I'm sorry," he told Morgan. "I just couldn't hold it any more. Tanya, the look on your face was priceless! Good one, Uncle Morph."

"I don't know what you're talking about, Duke. I'm completely serious." He took a sip of his coffee and tipped casually back in his chair.

"But—I—Whatever!" Making rude finger gestures at his uncle, he walked from the room muttering to himself.

Morgan's lip twitched and then a smile spread across his face. "No, I'm kidding about the mile high thing, Tanya. But the family does have a plane. It belongs to Uncle Scott."

"No, Uncle Stan," Molly corrected.

"I'm always mixing them up," Morgan told her. "I hope I know them by sight and haven't had them mixed up in my head for the last thirty years. I think they played a prank on me as a child and pretended to be one another to confuse me."

"It wouldn't surprise me," Molly told him. "They are a little eccentric and have a very bizarre sense of humor."

"Which is the one with gold teeth? Stan?"

"No."

"Oh. Well then I don't know which is which. My entire life has been an illusion. I'm going to require years of therapy to make me myself again."

"I can help with that," Tanya told him with a perfectly straight face. "I am a professional. I even did a short stint on a psychiatry ward. Would you say you suffer from delusions?"

"Constantly," Morgan said with a huge, dramatic sigh. "Or are they illusions? What's the one when you see things?"

"Hallucinations. . . or is it halitosis? I get those two mixed up."

Kenny was looking from Morgan to Tanya and back again. "She's as loony as he is. No wonder they get along so well. What a relief! I thought we had a normal one in the family and I was going to worry about her continued mental health!"

Molly grinned, watching Morgan and Tanya be silly. "I think it's wonderful! I'm so glad you fainted into my brother's arms, Tanya!"

"Well, specifically she fainted and I caught her in my arms, but it's just semantics. I'm glad too."

© 2015 Dellani Oakes

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Unfit Author Week of April 27 - May 3, 2015

This picture is why I started doing this. I hate how I look!

I know that on the surface, this seems like rather a dull post. I mean, who cares what songs I danced to or if I bothered to exercise? Obviously, not the point of posting. As I said at the beginning of this journey, I hope that by posting here, I will hold myself accountable. It gives me motivation to continue. Also, I hope that others will join me on this journey, find a little inspiration in my struggle and maybe find some good music in the bargain.

The dancing does more for me than just give me a little exercise during the day. When I'm tired, feeling low, I can listen to a song, dance a little (like no one's watching, cause that's the only way I can dance) and it gives me a lift. Fit of the sleepies? Dance. Feeling blue? Dance. There are certain songs that I can't be miserable when I listen to them. I recommend them to everyone:

Uptown Funk – Mark Roson and Bruno Mars

F**k You – Cee Lo Gree (written with Bruno Mars)

Love the One You're With – Crosby, Stills, Nash

Suite Judy Blue Eyes – Crosby, Stills, Nash

Pick Up the Pieces – Average White Band

Play that Funky Music – Wild Cherry

There are so many others, I can't name them all. This short list represents my go to songs to fight the blues. They are funky, fun and get me moving. My lists reflect my musical tastes as well. I don't stick to any one genre, as you can see from the list. I listen to rock, blues, Southern rock, funk, outlaw country, heavy metal. . . . Pretty much anything but rap and twangy country. Just never developed a taste for either genre.

Below are the songs I danced to 4/27/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

5:55 Criminal – Revivalists 11:27 AM

4:30 Mary Don't You Weep – Theresa Anderson 6:44 PM

4:00 Tenderoni – Chromeo 11:07

14:25

Below are the songs I danced to 4/28/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

5:55 Criminal – Revivaists 11:23 AM

3:30 Devil in Me – Jamie Commons 2:33 PM

4:18 Pick Up the Pieces – Average White Band 8:52

3:07 Jungle – Jamie Commons 11:22

16:10

Below are the songs I danced to 4/29/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:16 Jungle – Jamie Commons 10:40 AM

4:31 Do It Again – Steely Dan 5:01 PM

5:34 Wake Up – Arcade Fire 6:03

4:13 Vampires – Ballroom Thieves 6:29

3:43 Lido Shuffle – Boz Scaggs 11:24

3:51 It's All Over – Dan Skinner 12:22 AM

24:28

Below are the songs I danced to 4/30/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

5:48 Love of My Life – Carlos Santana 11:05 AM

5:55 Criminal – Revivalists 12:11 PM

3:04 Love Somebody – Revivalists 12:21

3:41 Another One Bites the Dust – Queen 4:08

6:01 If I Lose My Faith in You – Sting 5:04

3:38 Flower – Cody Simpson 6:02

20:00 minutes stretch while watching Supernatural on Netflix 7:23

4:20 Sad Songs – Elton John 11:10

3:13 How You Like Me Now? The Heavy 12:03 AM

4:17 Pick Up the Pieces - Average White Band 12:49

58:37

Again, you will notice that I got into the next day with a couple of my lists. This is because I'm still awake. My day starts around 10:00 a.m. (Sometimes a bit earlier or later, depending upon how late I stayed up the night before.) Although it is technically, by the clock, tomorrow, I count it that day.

Below are the songs I danced to 5/1/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:08 Flower – Cody Simpson 10:10 AM

5:18 Concrete – Revivalists 1:22 PM

4:41 Closer – Nine Inch Nails 4:00

3:57 Bubble Toes – Jack Johnson 6:32

20:00 Stretched 7:22-7:42 I am trying to do this when I watch Netflix or I won't move

40:39

Below are the songs I danced to 5/2/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:59 Rumble & Sway – Jamie N Commons 11:15 AM

3:16 Jungle – Jamie N Commons 12:27 PM

3:58 Fuck You – Cee Lo Green 3:45

3:35 She Hates Me – Puddle of Mud 8:27

4:49 Luz Amor y Vida – Carlos Santana 11:35

18:17

Below are the songs I danced to 5/3/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

2:34 Sleep – Allen Stone 11:57 AM

3:49 John the Revelator – Gov't Mule 2:46 PM

29:00 Stretched while watching Netflix 8:28-8:57

35:23

© Dellani Oakes 2015

ToBuy Dellani's Books Amazon

I Love Dialogue - Checkmate 2

Dane Berry has had a few rough days. He's been chased by rabid body builders, accosted by a screaming fan, robbed and shot at. The one bright spot in all this is Milla, but he won't consummate his relationship with her while all this hangs over his head. He's already put her in danger once, he doesn't want to be responsible for her getting badly hurt. Now, he's having a conversation with the managers of the hotel/ casino where he's staying. They are worried about Dane, but more concerned about the impact these incidents might have on their reputation. Dane's bodyguards are with him.

"I have a question for you," Cam said from the table. He'd been listening to all the discussion. "Who was the shooter?"

"The shooter?" Mr. Phillips looked confused.

"Yeah, the guy that took a shot at Dane. And why did your guys fail to stop him?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Mr. Andretti looked offended. "We hire good people. They know their shit. None of them have less than three years of military or police training."

"Maybe so, but I saw what I saw," Cam replied, standing up. "You got a guy roughly my height, he's not as fat as he tried to look, we figure that was padding." The other bodyguards nodded. "There were half a dozen guards there and he barreled through like they were nothing. The smallest guard there was Steve's size."

Steve stood next to Cam. He was easily four inches taller and considerably heavier.

"Now, I didn't go to college, and I'm not up on my physics, so bear with me. If I've got six guys his size and one guy my size, and we don't like each other, who do you think is gonna fall down?" He pointed from himself to Steve, spreading his hands toward Andretti and Phillips.

The owner and manager looked at one another uncomfortably.

"I dunno about you, but I'm thinkin'—me."

"Did they know the shooter?" Steve asked, folding his arms across his chest. "And more to the point, Bill, can you trust your people?"

"Not to mention," Jed added, coming up on Cam's other side. "Can we trust them—or you?"

"Are you threatening me?" Mr. Andretti looked highly offended.

"Should we be? It's a few simple questions," Jed continued. "Seems to me, we could find the answers if we asked nicely."

"I don't have to stay here and be insulted," Mr. Andretti said, turning pale. "If you're quite done?"

"Ain't a matter of if I'm done," Jed said quietly. "It's a matter of if Mr. Berry is done."

"I'm done," Dane was furious. "Gentlemen, I keep my end of a bargain. I won't bad mouth you, but don't expect my endorsement either. Good day." He shut the door behind them with a distinct bang.

"They didn't hire the shooter, right?" Cam asked.

"No, that came from Allie, if that's truly who is behind this," Dane replied.

"Oh, I think so. That part makes sense. Then why cover up who the shooter was?" Steve added.

"Talk about embarrassing. That had to have been their guy. Not only that, their men know who he is and they didn't stop him, which makes you wonder how many of Andretti's people are really on his ex-wife's payroll," Jed mused.

© Dellani Oakes 2015

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The Unfit Author Week of April 20, 2015

I am still trying to catch up from when I was gone for about a week in March. I'm gaining on it! I haven't done as well as I should, but some days aren't too bad. The important thing is to get up, even when I don't really feel like it, and make myself move. I have noticed that I've dropped 1/4 to 1/2 inch from several measurements. YAY! I haven't lost weight lately, but I am delighted with the measurement reduction.

Below are the songs I danced to 4/20/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:01 Jungle – Jamie Commons 10:30 AM

3:13 How You Like Me Now – The Heavy 3:31 PM

4:07 I Don't Care – Patrick Stump 9:24

10:21

Below are the songs I danced to 4/21/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

5:54 Criminal – Revivalists 11:21 AM

4:14 Vampires – Ballroom Thieves 1:02 PM

3:51 It's All Over – Dan Skinner 3:03

3:14 Mating Game – Bittersweet 4:55

5:41 Pride – Syntax 9:16

4:07 Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars 12:36 AM

26:21

Below are the songs I danced to 4/22/15:

I have a note here that I skipped this day. Not entirely sure why, but there you have it.

Below are the songs I danced to 4/23/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:03 Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars 11:45 AM

3:21 Mercy – Duffy 1:11 PM

2:50 Bruk Pocket Lament – The Heavy 1:17

3:59 King of Wishful Thinking – Go West 5:02

2:53 Hallelujah I Love Her So – Josh Turner 8:38

3:07 Jungle – Jamie Commons 9:32

5:04 Sing Sing Sing with a Swing – Benny Goodman 10:28

24:37

Below are the songs I danced to 4/24/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:51 Fuck You – CeeLo Green 11:07 AM

4:34 Zion – Fluke 2:20 PM

3:22 Nothing to Prove – Allen Stone 3:42

3:00 Larger than Life – Josh Turner 11:57

3:57 Freedom – Anthony Hamilton 12:00 AM

8:26 Tube Steak – Zach Deputy 12:10

26:30

Below are the songs I danced to 4/25/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:24 Call Me Al – Paul Simon 9:56 AM

2:56 Cecilia – Simon and Garfunkel 11:06

5:54 Criminal – Revivalists 12:05 PM

3:44 At the Beach – Josh Turner 1:22

3:54 Du Hast – Rammstein 4:37

3:58 Pick Up the Pieces – Average White Band 9:21

3:06 Pipeline – Ventures 11:42

26:36

Below are the songs I danced to 4/26/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

9:53 #41 – Dave Matthews Band 10:36 AM

6:44 Smooth – Carlos Santana 11:21

5:00 Nothing but the Water – Grace Potter 12:30 PM

3:24 Golden Years -David Bowie 6:12

2:29 Hotel Song – Josh Turner 9:07

4:42 Superstition – SRV 10:49

31:32

© Dellani Oakes 2015

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I Love Dialogue from The Great Mandrake

From The Great Mandrake (not published) Drake Mandrake is working his way through college as a comedic magician. A youthful mistake made him a father early on and now, at 21, he's coping with being a single dad as well as taking care of his 7 year old nephew, Davy. Davy is a special needs child who's been diagnosed with Asperger's. Drake is studying special ed so that he can work with children like Davy. As a treat, Davy has been fishing with Drake's cousins and Shelby, his daughter, has spent the day with Aunt Connie. They are now at Uncle Billy's for dinner.

Davy ran at Drake, greeting him so enthusiastically, he nearly knocked him over. Connie took Shelby so that Drake could swing Davy onto his shoulder.

"I caught all kinds of fish, Uncle Drake! And I caught a stingray! It almost stung Uncle Billy when he unhooked it!"

"Really? Wow!"

"It was nearly six feet long! It was pissed to get caught."

"Okay, who taught my boy a new word?" Drake asked the room at large.

His cousin, Burwell held up his hand, grinning sheepishly. "He wasn't supposed to tell you."

"Did you tell him not to use it in a sentence?"

"No." He looked puzzled. "I didn't think of that."

"Now ya know. Davy, you don't say pissed. It's not a very nice word."

"Okay, Uncle Drake." He squirmed to get down.

Burwell caught him as he lunged off his uncle's shoulder. He set Davy on the floor, ruffling his hair.

"He's something else. He kept all of us hopping."

Billy's sons were all built on the same line as their father. In other words, upwards of seven feet tall and roughly the size of Montana. There were six of them altogether. Drake couldn't imagine Davy running them all ragged. He supervised him fine all on his own.

"It took all y'all to keep tabs on one kid? That's pretty damn funny. I keep track of him and Shelby, no problem."

"Braggart."

"Pussy."

"Pzy, pzy," Shelby yelled loudly and with gusto. "Sit, sit! Pzy!"

Drake shook his head, trying hard not to laugh. "Oh, God. My daughter's gonna have the vocabulary of a redneck trucker by the time she starts school."

Burwell laughed at him. "For once it ain't my fault."

"I'll remember this when you have kids. I'm gonna teach them naughty words and laugh at your pain."

"You got a mean streak, Drake."

"I've got to, considering how much bigger you guys are. Teague's the only one shorter and he can still whoop me easy."

"He could whoop all of us. Even if we jumped him all at once. You should have seen him! It scared the ever loving sh. . . . poop outta me."

"Sh, sh!" Shelby said.

"That's right, honey," Drake coached. "Sh, sh—Shelby."

"Bi! Bi!"

"I guess we should have named her something easier," Drake said with a shrug. "She can't seem to get Shelby, no matter what I do."

"Grow up with a name like Burwell. Took me forever to get it right. And spell it? Shoot. I was still getting help when I was in second grade."

"You were dropped as a child, Burwell. That confirms it."

"If you weren't holding that baby, I'd show you just who's gettin' dropped on the head." He punched Drake's arm.

"Boys, behave!" Burwell's mother, Betty Jean, fussed.

"Yes, ma'am!" They chorused.

Dinner with Drake's family was always crazy. He'd forgotten just how much fun they were to be around. Once they finished dinner, Billy's children, who had a bluegrass band, got up on the stage and played for awhile.

Afterwards Drake was persuaded to perform a few simple magic tricks. Without his cases, he was limited, but they liked the card tricks and slights of hand that he performed.

"Now I know why I can't win at poker when you play," Junior grumbled. "Damn. You're probably dealing doubles and stacking the deck."

"No, Junior, you just suck," Drake replied.

"SUCK!" Shelby yelled amidst much laughter.

"It's official," Burwell said, hopping up on stage with Drake. He raised his cousin's arm in the air. "Daddy's mouth has officially been rated 'G'."

"Can't say her own name, but can curse." Drake stepped off the stage. "What am I gonna do with you, Miss Shelby?"

"She-be!" She yelled, kissing him resoundingly.

"You hear that? That's the first time she's ever said her name! Yeah, Shelby!"

"She-be! Sit! Pzy!"

"I think I'd better get my baby home before she picks up anymore bad language from y'all. You're a bad influence," Drake told Burwell.

© 2015 Dellani Oakes

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The Unfit Author Returns!

Those of you who have been following this posting, know that I've been silent on this front for some time. I'm still keeping up with my dancing (mostly), but had a rough couple of weeks in March with a death in the family. My attention has been divided by various projects, also the difficulty breathing that accompanies asthmatic bronchitis, sometimes makes it hard to get up and dance. But I at least try to get up and move. I've noticed that my body wants the exercise and I miss it if I don't get up every hour or so.

I am combining weeks here, trying to get caught up. I'm beginning with Week 5 and going on from there.

Week 5—3/16/15 – 3/23/15

Below are the songs I danced to 3/16/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:38 Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars 10:32 AM

9:42 Jimi Thing – Dave Matthews Band 11:23

3:57 Come With Me Now – Knogos 12:52

3:31 Devil in Me – Jamie Commons 1:49 PM

3:27 Batuka – Carlos Santana 3:44

4:17 Big Chair – Reach Around 4:55

2:34 The Mighty I – Noel Gallagher 10:56

30:46

Below are the songs I danced to 3/17/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:17 Jungle – Jamie N Commons 1:09 PM

6:38 Heirate Mich – Rammstein 3:47

3:09 Feuer Frei – Rammstein 4;44

5:16 Electric Worry – Clutch 7:26

5:24 Green Onions – Booker T 8:31

6:54 Send Me – Dirty Heads 9:44

3:16 Crazy – CeeLo Green 9:57

33:14

Below are the songs I danced to 3/18/15:

This is one of the days I had bad vertigo, so I didn't get much dancing done. Considering I could barely stand without getting dizzy, I think I did okay.

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:55 Waiting for You – Chromeo 6:02 PM

3:17 Jungle – Jamie N Commons 9:59

6:34

Below are the songs I danced to 3/19/15:

Another dizzy day.

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:34 You Did – Chuck Prophet 12:25 PM

Below are the songs I danced to 3/20/15:

And another vertigo day. It really sucks, lemme tell ya!

Duration Song & Artist Time

2:34 Sleep – Allen Stone 11:01 PM

Below are the songs I danced to 3/21/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:59 I Try – Macy Gray 11:14 AM

4:49 Rain Dance Maggie – Red Hot Chili Peppers 12:47 PM

4:09 Superstitious – Stevie Wonder 3:31

3:40 You Make Me Feel Like Dancing – Leo Sayer 8:13

3:52 Weapon of Choice – Fat Boy Slim 9:45

3:38 Body Rock – Moby 9:49

22:47

Below are the songs I danced to 3/22/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:34 Haven't Done Nothing – Stevie Wonder 8:42 PM

5:43 Flake – Jack Johnson & Lukas Nelson 9:45

4:04 Ooh La La – Josh Turner 10:30

3:16 Jungle – Jamie N Commons 12:03 AM

16:34

Below are the songs I danced to 3/23/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:49 Follow Me – Uncle Kracker 1:12 PM

3:35 She Hates Me – Puddle of Mud 1:17

5:04 Sing Sing Sing with a Swing – Benny Goodman 2:13

3:39 Dance in the Graveyard – Delta Rae 9:31

3:57 Freedom – Anthony Hamilton 10:42

19:24

Below are the songs I danced to 3/24/15:

I'm not sure what was wrong this day. I must have been busy with something, but I can't for the life of me remember what. I simply have “Nothing” written on my notes.

Below are the songs I danced to 3/25/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:46 Luz Amor y Vida – Carlos Santana 10:42

Not too bad, considering everything that was going on. I guess I should be proud of myself for getting anything done at all. I missed an entire week by being out of town for a week or so, then had company for Easter. I did get a little bit done that week. I have to work on my consistency.

I did my measurements and weight today for the first time in ages. I find taking my weight very depressing, but I have to keep in mind that this is a process. I didn't like the weight, as I'd gained (though that may be muscle vs. fat – let's hope!) However, I did lose about half an inch on several measurements and that pleased me. Right now, I'm more interested in inches than weight, so if I can keep that trend going, I will be very happy!

4/4/15 – 4/5/15 – then I will get back to my weekly lists as of 4/6/15

Below are the songs I danced to 4/4/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

7:00 Jimi Thing – Dave Matthews Band 11:00 PM

Below are the songs I danced to 4/5/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:11 Lay 'Em Down – Needtobreathe 11:13 PM

This was our first week back after our trip to Mississippi and I had company.

Below are the songs I danced to 4/6/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:05 Who Needs You – Queen 9:17 AM

4:09 Drop the Game – Flume and Chet Faker 1:46 PM

3:16 Jungle – Jamie Commons 2:52

3:14 Renegades – X Ambassadors 10:35

13:44

Below are the songs I danced to 4/7/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

7:57 Jingo – Carlos Santana 9:33 PM

3:04 Ain't No Rest for the Wicked – Cage the Elephant 12:17 AM

11:01

Below are the songs I danced to 4/8/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:49 You Did – Chuck Prophet 10:13 AM

3:53 I'm So Sorry – Imagine Dragons 3:40 PM

4:31 You Don't Have to Believe – Erich Hutchinson 4:53

6:49 River Boat Queen – Dust Bowl Revival 5:53

4:08 Back in Black – Amy Winehouse 10:17

3:14 Rumble and Sway – Jamie Commons 11:14

30:35

Below are the songs I danced to 4/9/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:36 It's All Over – Dan Skinner 10:44

4:31 Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars 11:45

8:17

Below are the songs I danced to 4/10/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:51 It's All Over – Dan Skinner 10:24 AM

3:38 Twitch and Tug – Hugo 11;18

5:15 Electric Worry – Clutch 3:57 PM

4:13 Vampires – Ballroom Thieves 5:19

16:17

Below are the songs I danced to 4/11/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:13 Vampires – Ballroom Thieves 10:47 AM

3:13 Waking Up Drowning – Josh Turner 10:43 PM

7:26

Below are the songs I danced to 4/12/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:30 Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars 2:05 PM

4:28 Tenderoni – Chromeo 3:05

3:05 Love the One You're With – CSN 4:26

2:09 We Will Rock You – Queen 5:06

3:27 Bauka – Carlos Santana 6:02

4:33 Zion – Fluke 7:08

4:21 Sober – Pink 9:16

4:02 Into the Ocean – Blue October 10:36

29:55

Below are the songs I danced to 4/13/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:13 Vampires – Ballroom Thieves 9:45 AM

5:26 Like the Way I Do – Melissa Etheridge 11:28

4:13 Vampires – Ballroom Thieves 2:22 PM

2:36 Play with Fire – Cobra Verde 12:03 AM

16:28

Below are the songs I danced to 4/14/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

2:41 Bottom of the River – Delta Rae 3:41 PM

3:12 Waking Up Drowning – Josh Turner 8:08

3:28 Batuka – Carlos Santana 9:19

2:19 Sleep – Allen Stone 10:02

3:13 Rumble and Sway – Jamie Commons 12:19 AM

14:13

Below are the songs I danced to 4/15/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

7:32 Whiskey Bar – Zach Deputy 9:52 AM

Below are the songs I danced to 4/16/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

4:14 Vampires – Ballroom Thieves 9:43 AM

2:34 Sleep – Allen Stone 9:48

3:51 It's All Over – Dan Skinner 11:34

5:50 Wake Up – Arcade Fire 7:11 PM

15:49

Below are the songs I danced to 4/17/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:54 Sweet Disorder – Lee Bains & the Glory Fires 10:00 AM

3:30 Fuck You – CeeLo Green 12:05 PM

2:00 Stretch

5:04 Sing Sing Sing with a Swing – Benny Goodman 6:45

2:17 Hotel Song – Josh Turner 9:44

16:05

Below are the songs I danced to 4/18/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:07 Jungle – Jamie Commons 10:05 AM

8:56 Lazy – Joe Bonamassa 11:39

5:23 Battle w/o Honor or Humanity – Tomoyasu Hotai 12:53 PM

4:07 Uptown Funk – Old Town Version 6:16

3:57 Pick Up the Pieces – Average White Band 11:23

3:30 Uptown Funk – Bruno Mars 12:43 AM

28:20

Below are the songs I danced to 4/19/15:

Duration Song & Artist Time

3:56 Creep – Radio Head 11:21 AM

4:37 Grapevine – Rob Thomas & Daryl Hall 12:40 PM

3:17 Santeria – Sublime 2:59

3:39 Dance in the Graveyard – Delta Rae 3:24

14:49

© Dellani Oakes 2015

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