Yes, I still love Van Halen.

Last night my husband and I spent the night at his sister's house. We were kid sitting my nephew while my SIL, her husband and their daughter spent the night out of town.

My husband fell asleep on the couch and I slept in my niece Hannah's room. Apparently, I haven’t been in her room for a very long time.

I was so tired when I went upstairs last night. I was ready to crash and call it a night when I turned on the light to her room… and boom – it hit me. I was no longer in a little girl’s room, I was in a full-fledged teenager’s room. Posters everywhere, mirrors covered with messages from her friends, inspirational quotes, and the telltale sign of a little brother who got a hold of her mirror markers. (Ok, so did I).

I instantly became more alert and turned on even more lights. I looked at everything on her walls. Fallout Boy, Justin Bieber, photos with girlfriends, etc. Then as I looked closer, I realized that she had way more idols on her walls of female sports figures…the US National Soccer Team, including autographed items from Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy. I was so impressed to see that she had such a eclectic group of people that she admired.

When I was her age, I mostly had Van Halen, Poison and AC/DC on my walls. I had an empty Jim Beam bottle (that I may, or may not have drank) on my armoire filled with pennies, and a souvenir potato that I used to catch the needle when I double pierced my ears - by myself, I might add - before an 8th grade football game.  No quotes from authors or famous female role models. However, I did have a Notre Dame sticker on my mirror - hey, that does count for something ... academic - at least!

My favorite quote Hannah had written on her mirror was “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…it’s learning to dance in the rain.” I probably had “I Hate Curfews,” or “I Hate School,” written on my mirror. But, not with special mirror markers, it was probably scribbled in lipstick. Kids have it so lucky today – with the special markers and all.

It really got me to thinking…what if adults put posters on their walls like we did when we were teenagers? What would I have? What would 40 going on 14 look like? I still love the music from the 80’s but can’t imagine having Axel Rose above my head. Prince? I still love his music too, but not so much into purple anymore.

I guess if I really had to decorate my bedroom with things I currently I like, I would have to pick an artist who has a tone that is more easy listening. Whoaaa. Did I just say that? Let me rephrase. I would definitely not have male artists who wear red leather pants, high heels, have big hair and more makeup than me – well, I kind of do like Adam Lambert - and KISS, you will always be in my heart - but you know what I mean. However, I would still have a poster of Van Halen in my closet! (If my husband had it his way, we would have floor to ceiling Dave Matthews wallpaper.)

Actually, I would pick a collage of the chefs on the Food Network. Love them! And, I would have a full size poster of Guy Fieri on the back of my door. (Love him more)! I would have a clock radio that spoke to me in Dan Patrick’s voice each morning and I would have a quote above my dresser mirror that says “Yes you ARE a princess.” A framed photo of my canine nephew Banff would sit on my nightstand. He is an Entlebucher, the most beautiful dog ever, in MHO. The ceiling light in my bathroom would be light pink because it casts just the right light for hiding wrinkles. Oh- and the pièce de résistance would be a queen sized Indy Colt’s comforter on our bed (with Notre Dame pillows of course). Ahh.

I’m scared to ask my husband how he would decorate our room. Somehow I know Dave Matthews would be involved. How would you decorate yours?

22 Things I’ve Learned Since I was Laid off from my Job.

1. I don't like to get up early.
2. The name of my dry cleaner (Mrs. Kim), my deli guy (Cobby) the guy at the Mobile station (Nguyen), and the homeless/mentally challenged fellow who pushes a cart in my sister's neighborhood (Van). They all have names...and stories.
3. I don't set the heat at 72 degrees anymore. 67 degrees with a light fleece on is just fine, thank you.
4. Chicago city streets are just as busy in the middle of a weekday as they are any other time.
5. Friends and family really do "get it" that things are tight.
6. I have learned to cook. Quite well, in fact.
7. I had to let my cleaning lady go. Now I clean our own place. I even make the little triangles on the toilet paper.
8. Jewel restocks the wine aisle on Tuesdays.
9. The assisted living bus brings the seniors to my grocery store on Sundays - early afternoon. One lady, Silvia - is 4'9. I've helped her reach the top shelf on several occasions.
10. People like homemade stuff. Food, cards, whatever...they like it.
11. If you leave a good impression with your former coworkers - they will remember you.
12. I grow my own herbs - and bring them in over the winter.
13.I can make four meals out of one chicken.
14. A fire in the fireplace is really a nice thing to watch. Especially when you get really good at it. I am now the Fire Whisperer!
15. I spend a hell of a lot of money at the grocery store. (Quicken showed me that!)
16. My house isn't any cleaner now, then when I was working full-time.
17. I've learned to give myself manicures. I don't even have to tip!
18. If you flirt with the deli guy (Cobby) -and visit each day, he will give you Costco type samples of anything you want!
19. I painted our condo with my husband instead of hiring someone. We had fun and learned teamwork skills.
20. Grocery store brands are just as good as name brands and "Buy 1 Get 1 Free," has a whole new meaning.
21.Public transportation isn't so bad - I've seen a lot of things walking to the El that I would have missed taking a cab.
22. I don't like getting up early.