I’m writing this post at 1:30 in the morning in response to my friend Jen’s Twisted Mix Tape Link-Up. She asks us to make a hypothetical mix tape (I’m going to assume everyone reading knows what an audiocassette is) for a friend. It’s my first time linking up and, since yesterday was his birthday, I think I’m going to make the tape for Dave. We’ve known each other now for more than two decades. Music (and laughing at the same stuff) is pretty much what brought us together. So it was hard to cull it down. I decided to pick a song per decade starting with the 50s and then cheated a little at the end.

Because it reminds me of the X-Files and every single time we hosted a party, especially at Mardi Gras.

Because it’s the Beatles and we’ve sung it together at the tops of our collective lungs so many times. Also, because it’s the Beatles.

Because it reminds me of the acoustic Squeeze concert we watched under a lunar eclipse in a parking lot with only about 50 other people. Who else can say that?

Because it’s one of those songs we always talk about that makes us happy and sad at the same time.

Because it reminds me of watching Sabrina, the Teenage Witch the night I went into labor with Dean.

Here’s where I cheated. I was supposed to stop at five songs. But who wants to be friends with someone who always follows the rules?

Because it elicits absolute euphoria. And I actually got to meet Tim DeLaughter. (I’m sorry you didn’t.) And because I can remember Vivien belting out this song in the back of the car. At age 3.

Because I remember listening to it right after I dropped off our babies (5 and 3) at foreign schools in a new place after we lost everything. And sobbing so hard that I had to pull the car over. Then returning to our borrowed home and doing it all over again with you.

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Happy Birthday, Dave.

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“Life is short, Break the Rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret ANYTHING that makes you smile.” – Mark Twain

P.S. Mel and I also host a link-up called #KetchupWithUs. Because it involves two fool women parading around in public wearing nothing but ketchup costumes. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. And neither should you. For the current link-up, we just need one funny selfie. No words at all. Give us your best #BitchyRestingFace. (Guys are SO welcome.)