Sweet Valley High

Let me tell you, from about 1983 to 1985, Sweet Valley High was the hit of teenage girls growing up in suburbia everywhere. Needless to say, I was obsessed. I bought them all, for a rather long time. I used to write my name in the front with a kiss underneath. There is very little I won't share with you dear reader.

At about book 30 or so, I stopped reading them. No doubt I discovered Lace or something. I've always had an affection for them, they were so simplistic and fun. I've just looked them up on Wikipedia and am stunned. Stunned and giggling at what happened after I stopped reading them. They went on writing this series until 2003! That's a lot of books. They all went to university and then it seems they reunited for a book that took place in the future. Here are the revelations that had me reeling:

Steven Wakefield turns out to be gay. And shacked up with Aaron Dallas (the football star - do keep up).
Alice Wakefield almost married Lila Fowler's father! She decided on the eve of her wedding she loved Ned!
Todd and Elizabeth were on/off for years. When I left them, Todd had moved to Vermont and I figured that was that but no! And they cheat on each other!
Enid (Elizabeth's best friend) had an affair with Todd!
Robin (was fat, wanted to be a perfect size 6 so stopped eating chocolate and ran round the track and emerged beautiful of course) develops an eating disorder. Not much of a surprise.
Bruce Patman and Elizabeth have a relationship!
Winston Egbert dies by falling off a balcony. Nooooo.
Also, an earthquake hits Sweet Valley and the Wakefields move in with the Fowlers for a while.
I've saved the real revelation until the end. Are you ready for it?
Todd marries Jessica. Words fail me. Jessica who is shallow and wears silver ski suits (I always remember that!) marries Todd. It's a plot twist nobody could have seen coming.

Well. I am thinking I made a grave error by not following Sweet Valley through every book. It's all been going on and I've been in sweet oblivion for 25 years or so. I wish I could reread my 30 or so books but I'm afraid I got rid of them many moons ago. I guess it would look a bit odd reading Sweet Valley at my age but since when has looking weird bothered me? Why the hell not? I'm off to ebay...

Sweet Home Alabama: Lynyrd Skynyrd

I know nothing about this band, I had no idea what they looked like until I Googled just now. My main impression is there is a lot of them. I know there is controversy about this song being racist but you know what? I am hot, I've had a long day and I don't care. I know I should care but I don't. I just love the riff on this and I never tire of listening to it.

Don't be tempted to watch the Reese Witherspoon movie of the same name. You won't ever get those two hours back and even she can't save it.

This makes me want to go to a state fair in the deep south and drink beer.

Starship - We Built This City

Look at that cover! It's 80s heaven. I much prefer this song to Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now which is overplayed and nowhere near as fun. I've just looked up the lyrics. For 30 years I assumed the line was 'Marconi plays the number" but it's not! It is "Marconi plays the mamba" which I don't think is as good. I mean, San Francisco was not built on Cuban music was it?

No matter, it's an 80s classic and I love it and it has a video they only made in the 80s. Magical.

 

Happy birthday to me! And Will, Phoebe and Corey

Today is my birthday. I love birthdays, I don't understand people who gloss over them or don't make a fuss. They come once a year and it's your day. What's not to love? People give you presents, send you cards and write messages on your Facebook wall. It's all good.

I've always been interested in those lucky enough to share my day. I don't have a stellar list of movie and rock stars however I I think these three are pretty damn good by anyone's standards.

First up it's Buddy Elf!

Yes, Will Ferrell shares my birthday! Are you jealous? I still love him although I've not quite managed to see Step Brothers yet.

Next, Phoebe Cates.

"Which one of you bitches is my mother?" Phoebe retired from acting after she married Kevin Kline to bring up her family. How yawnsome. At least they are still together.

I've saved the best for last. Corey Feldman!

I love this picture, it's so 80s. Corey is exactly my age which makes him extra special. In an alternative universe I was hanging out with Michael Jackson at Neverland and making Stand By Me.

Beach Boys - Kokomo

I don't know how I've not talked about The Beach Boys yet. There is much to discuss on this topic however today I am just going to leave this here. Kokomo, one of the best summer songs ever and perfect for this scorching weather. I wish I was in Aruba, Jamaica, Bermuda, Bahama...