This morning I picked up my wedding dress from Marina. No pictures for you yet…2 more weeks to go!

Hans and I are making a music playlist for the ceremony and dinner, a task that is not as easy as it sounds. First of all, Hans grew up in Amsterdam and Haarlem in The Netherlands and was not exposed to the same music as I was. Secondly, like many other people I know, Hans gets overwhelmed by too many different noises going on at a time. Unlike me, he does not turn on music or listen to an Audible book when he drives. He prefers instrumental music, like smooth Jazz and Classical compositions. He likes Frank Sinatra-ish music too.

Me, I grew up in the 70’s man! My high school years were filled with concerts …From Pink Floyd to Elton John and everything in between. I vividly remember where I was when I heard some songs..like “Black Water” by the Doobies (at the high school football games.) I listen to “my music” when Hans is not in the same room but quickly tone down my selection when he enters. What is music to one person can be noise to another.

I have always liked music and still remember all the words to songs I learned as a kid. In third grade, I lived in Hawaii and still can sing the Don Ho song “Pearly Shells” in Hawaiian. In 5th grade, I lived in Panama and still can sing “El Rancho Grande” in Spanish. The following year when we lived in Brooklyn, NY, I memorized all the words to “American Pie” by Don McLean.

Researchers say that for men, the most important period for forming musical taste is between the ages of 13 to 16. Men were, on average, aged 14 when their favorite song was released. For women, the most important period is between 11 and 14, with 13 being the most likely age for when their favorite song came out.

Music effects our moods. Listening to (or making) music increases blood flow to brain regions that generate and control emotions. The limbic system, which is involved in processing emotions and controlling memory, “lights” up when our ears perceive music.

So, back to the forthcoming playlist. So far, we’ve agreed on one song –the one we will walk to at the ceremony. After being together for 15 1/2 years, it was a no brainer…. Thanks Etta James for giving us “AT LAST!”

A good portion of every day is spent with my fosters. Like music, animals can have a profound effect on our well-being. A study by the NIH found that playing with pets increases the levels of the feel-good chemicals serotonin and dopamine in your brain. According to research, social interaction with your dog or cat increases the feel-good chemical oxytocin, which lifts your spirits. Additionally, pets can help reduce stress. One study of 240 married couples found lower heart rates and blood pressure among those with pets than those without. Which leads me to cute photo of the day…..